Inspired by a Terracotta Toy from Rome
Details
This charming handcrafted replica is inspired by a Roman terracotta pig rattle dating to the 1st to 2nd century AD.
At first glance, this delightful pig appears to be a simple child's toy. Filled with small pellets that create a rattling sound when shaken, it would certainly have entertained an infant or young child. Yet in the ancient world, objects made for children often served purposes beyond simple amusement.
Childhood in antiquity was fraught with dangers. Disease and illness claimed many young lives, and parents sought protection wherever they could find it. The sound produced by rattles was often believed to help ward off harmful influences, evil spirits and misfortune. This little pig may therefore have functioned as both a toy and a protective object, offering entertainment for the child and reassurance for those caring for them.
The choice of a pig may also have been significant. In Greek and Roman religion, pigs were associated with several deities, including Demeter and Persephone, and frequently featured in rituals connected with fertility, family life and wellbeing. It is possible that the animal form itself carried protective associations, making the rattle doubly meaningful.
One of the most striking features of the original is its decoration. Rather than being carved into the clay, the raised patterns were created using wet slip applied directly onto the surface, producing elegant relief ornament. On some examples, tiny pieces of coloured glass were pressed into the wet slip before firing, creating jewel-like accents that fused permanently into the surface during the firing process.
Our standard replica follows the original terracotta design. If you are interested in a version incorporating fused glass decoration, please contact us for a bespoke quotation.
A small hole located on the animal's back is thought to have been used to insert the pellets that create the rattling sound. By altering their size and quantity, the maker could change the tone and character of the rattle. Some scholars have suggested that the opening was originally sealed with an organic plug after the pellets were inserted. If so, the plug has long since disappeared.
This fascinating object offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Roman children and their families, reminding us that alongside emperors, soldiers and statesmen were ordinary people who loved, worried and cared for their children much as we do today.
We will include a selection of 5 clay pellets with your replica, but part of the fun lies in experimentation. Different sizes, quantities and materials can produce remarkably different sounds, allowing you to explore the same possibilities that may have fascinated Roman children and their parents nearly two thousand years ago.
Materials
Buff Terracotta
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 85 mm
Length: Approx. 120 mm
Width: Approx. 85 mm
Production
Production
As with all our Museum Quality Replicas, this piece has been handcrafted in our Northumberland workshop using traditional tools and techniques inspired by the archaeological original.
Made entirely by hand from natural clay
Decorated using applied slip to replicate the raised relief decoration of the original
Individually finished before firing
Natural variations ensure that every piece is unique
Health & Safety
Whilst this object is believed to have originally functioned as a child's toy, this replica does not meet modern toy safety standards.
It is intended exclusively for display, educational use and experimental archaeology.
The rattle contains small internal pellets which create the sound effect when shaken.
Ceramic objects are fragile and may break if dropped, potentially creating sharp edges.
For these reasons, this replica is not suitable for infants or young children and should not be treated as a modern toy.
Ordering Information
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'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
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'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.
Shipping
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Standard shipping: Sent via second-class postal service.
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Faster delivery: If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
Bring a fascinating piece of Roman childhood into your collection and discover how a simple rattle could entertain, protect and connect families nearly two thousand years ago.
