{"product_id":"roman-pig-rattle","title":"Roman Pig Rattle","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"229\" data-start=\"141\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"227\" data-start=\"141\"\u003eInspired by a Terracotta Toy from Rome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"244\" data-start=\"231\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"568\"\u003eThis charming handcrafted replica is inspired by a \u003cstrong data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"327\"\u003eRoman terracotta pig rattle\u003c\/strong\u003e dating to the \u003cstrong data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"367\"\u003e1st to 2nd century AD\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"570\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003eChildhood 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1670\"\u003eThe choice of a pig may also have been significant. In Greek and Roman religion, pigs were associated with several deities, including \u003cstrong data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1468\"\u003eDemeter and Persephone\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003eOne of the most striking features of the original is its decoration. Rather than being carved into the clay, the raised patterns were created using \u003cstrong data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1866\"\u003ewet slip applied directly onto the surface\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003eOur standard replica follows the original terracotta design. If you are interested in a version incorporating \u003cstrong data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2229\"\u003efused glass decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e, please contact us for a bespoke quotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2663\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"2914\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"2914\"\u003eWe will include a selection of  5 \u003cstrong data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"915\"\u003eclay pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1299\" data-start=\"1284\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1316\" data-start=\"1300\"\u003eBuff Terracotta\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1334\" data-start=\"1318\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1418\" data-start=\"1335\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1346\" data-start=\"1335\"\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 85 mm\u003cbr data-end=\"1363\" data-start=\"1360\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1374\" data-start=\"1363\"\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 120 mm\u003cbr data-end=\"1392\" data-start=\"1389\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1402\" data-start=\"1392\"\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 85 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1436\" data-start=\"1420\"\u003eProduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3087\" data-end=\"3101\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3087\" data-end=\"3101\"\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3103\" data-end=\"3290\"\u003eAs with all our \u003cstrong data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3146\"\u003eMuseum Quality Replicas\u003c\/strong\u003e, this piece has been handcrafted in our Northumberland workshop using traditional tools and techniques inspired by the archaeological original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3331\"\u003eMade entirely by hand from natural clay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3419\"\u003eDecorated using applied slip to replicate the raised relief decoration of the original\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3456\"\u003eIndividually finished before firing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3458\" data-end=\"3510\"\u003eNatural variations ensure that every piece is unique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3810\" data-end=\"3829\"\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3969\"\u003eWhilst this object is believed to have originally functioned as a child's toy, this replica \u003cstrong data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3968\"\u003edoes not meet modern toy safety standards\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"4060\"\u003eIt is intended exclusively for \u003cstrong data-start=\"4002\" data-end=\"4059\"\u003edisplay, educational use and experimental archaeology\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4147\"\u003eThe rattle contains small internal pellets which create the sound effect when shaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4236\"\u003eCeramic objects are fragile and may break if dropped, potentially creating sharp edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4238\" data-end=\"4362\"\u003eFor these reasons, this replica is \u003cstrong data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4319\"\u003enot suitable for infants or young children\u003c\/strong\u003e and should not be treated as a modern toy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1867\" data-start=\"1841\"\u003eOrdering Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2147\" data-start=\"1868\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1868\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1896\" data-start=\"1870\"\u003e'Add to Basket' Items:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ready to ship immediately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2147\" data-start=\"1926\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1950\" data-start=\"1928\"\u003e'Pre-order' Items:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handmade to order within \u003cstrong data-end=\"1987\" data-start=\"1976\"\u003e90 days\u003c\/strong\u003e (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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2163\" data-start=\"2149\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2336\" data-start=\"2164\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2232\" data-start=\"2164\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2188\" data-start=\"2166\"\u003eStandard shipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sent via \u003cstrong data-end=\"2229\" data-start=\"2198\"\u003esecond-class postal service\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2336\" data-start=\"2233\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2255\" data-start=\"2235\"\u003eFaster delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you require \u003cstrong data-end=\"2295\" data-start=\"2271\"\u003efirst-class shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e, please contact us for a custom quote.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2439\" data-start=\"2338\"\u003eBring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PottedHistory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58201967526272,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/6388\/9250\/files\/PigrattleRoman_6.jpg?v=1780496566","url":"https:\/\/potted-history.co.uk\/products\/roman-pig-rattle","provider":"PottedHistory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}