Getty Museum

Rattle in the Shape of a Pig

Date

3rd century B.C.

Medium

Terracotta with traces of polychromy

Culture

Greek (Sicilian)

Department

Implements

Institution

Getty Museum

A pig's large stomach hangs low, and touches the ground beneath. The animal's small legs seem barely able to support its weight. Within are small pieces of dried clay that produce a rattling sound when shaken. This terracotta pig may have served as a toy to entertain a child, but could also have had protective properties. Disease regularly claimed the lives of infants and young children, and the sound of the rattling pellets may have been intended to ward off evil. Pigs were also sacrificed to various Greek gods, such as Demeter and Persephone, in return for the protection of children and those raising them. The pig was formed by pressing wet clay into a two-part mold to form a small sculpture in the round that can be seen from any side. After the figure was fired in a kiln, it was removed from the mold and painted in bright colors. Traces of pink and white pigment are still visible on the figurine.

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