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Ancient musical instrument echoes splendid culture
CGTN

As Children's Day is drawing near, it is a high priority for many parents now to decide what gifts to present to their beloved kids. No doubt, toys will be a top choice. In China, the most ancient toy is believed to be the clay rattle balls. 

In 1959, three clay rattle balls were unearthed at the Daxi Culture Heritage Site in Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality, and they are said to date back to the Neolithic period some 5,000 years ago, according to archaeologists. 

Clay rattle balls were unearthed at the Daxi Culture Heritage Site in Wushan County, Chongqing in 1959. /CFP
Clay rattle balls were unearthed at the Daxi Culture Heritage Site in Wushan County, Chongqing in 1959. /CFP

Clay rattle balls were unearthed at the Daxi Culture Heritage Site in Wushan County, Chongqing in 1959. /CFP

Clay rattle balls were made by hand with polished shells, with some small particles placed inside. The diameter of the spherical ball is about 5 centimeters, symmetrically piercing 6 holes. These balls produce a pure and crisp sound when being shaken.

Similar relics in different shapes and styles were discovered across China. Some fish-shaped clay rattles were found at the Tomb of Nanyue King in the Western Han Dynasty (202BC - 8AD). A clay rattle ball with four holes featuring delicate patterns was unearthed at a remote village in Gangu County, Gansu Province.

A fish-shaped clay rattle was unearthed at the Tomb of Nanyue King in Western Han Dynasty, in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. /CFP
A fish-shaped clay rattle was unearthed at the Tomb of Nanyue King in Western Han Dynasty, in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. /CFP

A fish-shaped clay rattle was unearthed at the Tomb of Nanyue King in Western Han Dynasty, in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. /CFP

Rattles are one of the oldest musical instruments and are found in various cultures. Maraca, also known as rumba shakers, is a type of rattle-style instrument that often appears in Latin music. Musicians hold the handle of a maraca and shake it with rhythm, adding a dynamic tempo and an exotic vibe to the music.

Maraca is a type of musical instrument involving different music styles. /CFP
Maraca is a type of musical instrument involving different music styles. /CFP

Maraca is a type of musical instrument involving different music styles. /CFP

Through researches, it was discovered that these clay rattle balls were a kind of ancient instruments as well as toys. Essentially, they are the Chinese version of baby rattles in ancient times.

This ancient musical instrument could generate a beautiful melody. What's more, it's an entertaining object for children that can also be musically enlightening.

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