Vintage Cat Foot Scrubber/Paperweight

Vintage Cat Foot Scrubber/Paperweight

Made in India around the early 20th century, these foot scrubber rattles – or vajris – were used by women to scrub their feet when bathing in the river, made necessary from walking barefoot. Made from cast iron, the scrubber comprises a pedestal with holes and a rough, scored base, with a decorative cast cat figure as the handle. Small metal balls are contained within the base, making a tinkling sound to warn off others in the vicinity that women were bathing nearby.