Clay Figurines - Rattles
Among objects associated with childhood, visitors can see three clay rattles in the form of pigeons. Hollow on the inside, they contain small pellets that produced sound when shaken.
The rattle, known in ancient Greek as platage, was - just as today - one of the first toys given to a baby. Such objects were often shaped like animals or birds to provide toddlers with a visual reference. Ancient sources mention that nurses would shake rattles above the cradle to soothe restless children and help them fall asleep.
In this case, the three pigeon-shaped rattles offer a touching glimpse into the everyday life of an Abderite family during the Classical - Hellenistic period.