Two Tin Rattles c. 1936

Du Bois created this drawing of Two Tin Rattles sometime between 1775 and 1875. The rattles are presented with care, demonstrating the importance of such everyday objects to the artist and those who once used them. We might consider the cultural references carried by these items, particularly in the context of the long 19th century, from which they originate. The Industrial Revolution brought new forms of production, yet many children still relied on handmade toys. As such, we might ask: who were these rattles made for, and what can they tell us about the social circumstances of childhood in this period? What was the role of play in the lives of children from different backgrounds? What social norms do these toys reflect, and what aspirations might they embody? Historians examine a variety of sources to answer questions like these. By studying objects like these rattles, alongside written accounts, family records, and institutional histories, we gain a deeper understanding of how social structures are reflected in even the simplest of artifacts.