5th-4th century BC. A ceramic figure of a pig standing on short legs; large belly and small tail, ears picked up and mouth with tusks to the side; bristle running along the back; inside pellets of clay that produce a rattling sound when shaken. 88 grams, 10cm (4"). Property of a Connecticut, USA, collector; previously with Edward J. Smith, New Jersey, USA; acquired prior to 1970. Terracotta figurines such as this have been found in children's graves and sanctuaries, where they were left as gifts to the gods. Inside the pig, small pieces of dried clay produce a rattling sound when shaken. Children in ancient Greece would have been amused by a rattle like this one. In antiquity, however, when disease often claimed the lives of infants and young children, the sound produced by rattles was also intended to ward off evil. Rattles in the shape of pigs probably had magical meanings, since pigs were sacrificed to various gods, such as Demeter, in return for protection of children and those caring for them.

Fine condition, one leg repaired. Scarce.