English: An incomplete bone flute and teething toy of 17th or 18th century date. The object is elongated, having a crest near the terminal, and tapering to the break. In section the object is pointed oval. A circular hole is located on the crest; the terminal is hollow, having a circular hole extending from the terminal through to a point some 10mm into the body. The top of the body (containing the crest) is decorated with a series of incised chevrons. One side of the body is decorated with diagonal grooves; the other side is worn. The body tapers and flattens towards a pronounced step inwards on both sides. An incomplete flat, rectangular panel extends from this point.

This form of toy whistle has been discussed by Van Vilsteren who concluded, based on the parallels and contemporary illustrations, that the the holes were used to suspend a ring with beads on it to act as a rattle (Van Vilsteren 1981:82-8 fig 1). The item was also used as a teething toy, presumably utilising the flat panel. Contemporary illustrations, in addition to examples from Dorsted and other sites in the Netherlands, suggest they date to teh 17th or 18th centuries.

Other examples recorded on the PAS database are YORYM-414BA5 and SOM-61E14B.