The clay rattle was one of the earliest musical instruments first produced, and the ancient Near East has produced an extensive repertoire of examples. Archaeological excavations have produced a variety of shapes, from small jug vessels, pie-shaped instruments and an abundance of animal types. The rattles are classed as ‘vessel rattles’, as their sound is produced from a pellet inside banging against the sides of a closed vessel container. The pellets inside would be clay pellets, ranging in size, stones or fruit seeds, though the latter usually have not survived. The sound heard was also affected by perforations on the vessel: a lack of perforations would result in a more muffled sound. Bird rattles, such as this, were harder to produce than their spool-shaped or pie counterparts, and would have been made on a wheel by an experienced potter. Material evidence also shows that rattles such as this were made for the domestic setting, as apotropaic domestic votive pieces or as children’s toys.
Old Babylonian Terracotta Bird Rattle
£ 395.00
An Old Babylonian terracotta hollow rattle formed in the shape of a stylised bird. The creature features an oval, rounded body with a softly sculpted ridge running longitudinally across the top. A small head develops from one side, adorned with circular eyes, a pointed beak and two raised protrusions on top. A cylindrical stem with a slightly concave base features below the body. A stone or fragment inside the hollow body rattles when shaken. Some red pigment is visible over the head and neck.
Provenance: Ex. London Collection, 1990s.
Condition: Wear such as scratches, indentations, and earthy encrustations feature to the surface. Some chipping to the protrusions.
In stock
| Weight | 64.96 g |
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| Dimensions | L 8.1 x W 3 x H 5.1 cm |
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| Pottery and Porcelain | |
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