This a child’s rattle that was often made from rushes, straw or hay. Usually, hazelnuts or some other nuts would be placed inside before weaving closed so it could make a noise when shook. Straw, rushes or hay was used to make many items in the past including cone-shaped hats and strawboy costumes, St Brigid’s crosses, chairs, hens’ nests, beehives, fishing nets, gloves baskets, head baskets, spancels (animal restraints) and ropes to name a few.
