Collections Online
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Advanced Search
Teething ring & rattle
simple home-made specimen in wood , comprising a handle at one end, a bulbous teething device at the other and two rattlers encircling its central stem; possibly a copy specimen
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.
Collection Area
Social & Cultural History
Item Number
F91.16.116
Acquisition
Bequest
Measurements
Length
(cm): 135
diameter
(cm): 25
Material
wood
Location
In store
Comments are currently unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience.