Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Hedgehog Rattle

ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.

1 of 5

Object Label

The hollow body of this hedgehog figure contains tiny pellets that rattled when it was shaken. The rattles were used to ward off harmful forces such as snakes, scorpions, or malevolent spirits. When attacked, a hedgehog rolls into a ball, presenting a mass of pointed spines to the predator. To the Egyptians, this behavior—imitated in this figure—made the hedgehog an ideal protective symbol.

Caption

Hedgehog Rattle, ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.. Faience, 3 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (7.6 x 4.4 x 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 59.186. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Hedgehog Rattle

Date

ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13

Period

Middle Kingdom

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Faience

Classification

Accessory

Dimensions

3 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. (7.6 x 4.4 x 3.5 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

59.186

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