The Epworth Collection

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2 twisted stems of plant

Twisted twigs found in a void above the ground floor fore-kitchen, thus under the floorboards of the first floor and close to the central fireplace. There are 2 stems which are twisted around themselves at mid point and apparently pressed against a flat object which might have been the side of the roof void where they were found or the twigs may have been pressed prior to placement. There is a slanting cut made where the main stem was cut off and also where lesser side stems have been removed. It is not known the purpose of these twigs but a slight resemblance in shape to a corn dolly has been noted. They were discovered when the rectory was being renovated in 2013 as part of the project called "Put the Hearth back in the Home". 2 similar twisted twigs(see 2013-699b) were found with an old leather shoe (see 2013-698) Research indicates that the practice of concealing shoes in buildings is probably the most common superstitious practice of the post mediaeval period and most finds of concealed shoes are accompanied by other items, often broken.

Category: twig

Material Part: wood

Measurements:

diameter of stem
height 9mm
diameter of stem
width 9mm

Object Number: 2013-699a

Collection

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