Rattles

Rattles in their most basic form, as simple toys to divert babies, go back to at least the 2nd century BC. Over the years they have been made to simple designs in materials ranging from dried gourds, woven sticks and hollowed-out bones, to much more elaborate styles in glass, silver and gold.

Rattle, Saunders and Shepherd, 1901. Museum no. Misc.90-1963 (click image for larger version)

This late Victorian example is based on the silver rattles which can be seen in child portraits of the 16th century onward. Such rattles were popular as christening presents and sometimes became heirlooms which were handed on through families.

The most successful rattle designs combined several purposes. It seems that some naughty children in the past have found them good to throw, or use as hammers or even weapons. The addition of whistles and bells could also amuse the child, and have a role in developing their recognition and hand-eye co-ordination. In more superstitious times, anything which produced a sound was also thought to scare away evil spirits who could harm the child. Another dual-purpose element was the teether. These sticks or rings were not only practical aids, helping the baby's teeth to come through the gums, they were also seen as examples of sympathetic magic. Traditionally made of substances which were red or white, such as coral, they symbolised blood or bone respectively. The use of animal bone or tooth was also thought to confer the strength of the animal to fight off the pain of teething.