Greece, South Italic Colonies, ca. 3rd century BCE. In excellent condition, this is a mold-made, hollow, child's rattle, in the form of a figure seated atop a boar. The figure is nude aside from a headdress and cape and holds what appears to be a shield in one hand. The boar is huge, with a docile face and two large, pointed ears; he stands on an integrated platform that allows the toy to sit easily. The figure is turned to the side, as if looking towards the viewer while the boar walks. Traces of yellow and red pigment remain, suggesting that the piece was once very brightly colored. Size: 3.6" L x 2" W x 4.9" H (9.1 cm x 5.1 cm x 12.4 cm)

Boar- or pig-shaped rattles were associated with Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and fertility, and they symbolized the cycle of rebirth and rejuventation. As a result, boars were often sacrificed at rituals for protecting children, and the animals are a frequent feature of children's toys - maybe given as a votive for protection, as the rattling sound could have been apotropaic. Rattles like this one were made for young children who were just developing motor skills and for mothers and wet nurses to distract a little one who was fussing.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex Sid Port collection; ex Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK no 5572

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#127000

Intact and still rattles! Excellent preserved detail, with some remaining pigment and manganese deposits on surface.