Ancient rattles reveal the history of toys

TOYMAKERS have been around far longer than many people realise, a Danish researcher told AFP Friday after the discovery of 19 ancient rattles some dating back at least 4500 years.

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Mette Marie Hald, co-author of the study detailing the discovery published in the scientific journal “Childhood in the Past”, laid out her findings to AFP.

“We argue that the rattles served as toys to amuse and calm infants, rather than as musical instruments, based on the low noise level of the rattles and the relatively small size of their handles,” says the summary of the paper.