What Is It? - #49

[SifuPhil]

Today's item is particularly appropriate for this time of year. It is fairly large - about the size of a small wooden post.



WHAT IS IT?

 

[SeaBreeze]

Holder for incense or spices to keep away evil spirits?

 

[SifuPhil]

Holder for incense or spices to keep away evil spirits?

No, but you're on the right track - getting warm in here already!

 

[JustBonee]

about the size of a small wooden post.

??.. :magnify:.. It's a small wooden post.

 

[Ivanchuk]

Some sort of sharpening tool?

 

[Diwundrin]

Looks to be part of something missing.... part of a funeral bier? or tomb architrave?

 

[SifuPhil]

??.. :magnify:.. It's a small wooden post.

Yes, it is, very good. But no ding-ding-ding for you!

Some sort of sharpening tool?

No, but that's what I thought when I first saw it.

 

[SeaBreeze]

A torch or candle holder?

 

[Anne]

It's a wooden stake for killing vampires.

 

[Pappy]

A really bad totem pole?

 

[SeaBreeze]

A garlic press?

 

[Tom Young]

Maybe an English Hex post?

 

[SifuPhil]

A torch or candle holder?

Nope, sorry.

It's a wooden stake for killing vampires.

Hmmm ... no, but you're in the ballpark.

A really bad totem pole?

Made by a really bad carver? No, sorry.

A garlic press?

Inventive, but no.

Maybe an English Hex post?

I. Am. Impressed.

DING! DING! DING!

We have a winna !!!

Tom Young has correctly identified this item as an English Hex Post or, as it is often referred to, a Witch Post.

As explained by the Whitby Museum:

A witchpost from East End Cottage, Egton (England). Witch posts are almost exclusively a feature of the North York Moors region. It is a solid upright timber of oak or rowan wood which is built as part of a house's structure, often by the fireplace.

It has a carved cross near the top of the post and it is thought their purpose was to protect the house and its inhabitants from witches. It has also been suggested that itinerant priests in the 17th century who sheltered in the house may have given a blessing on the house and its inhabitants, the occasion being recorded by the carving of a cross on one of these posts. Whatever, the custom is of remote antiquity and a remarkable relic of superstition.

Another shot of a witch post -



Back when I was studying witchcraft as part of my metaphysics curriculum I found that there was quite a lot of controversy over these things, centered mainly on why the Christian cross was not used instead of the "X". Seems they're still arguing the point to this day.

Congrats to Tom Young, and thanks everyone for a quick but satisfying round of WII.

 

[Tom Young]

A little embarassing, but my connection was through my (now deceased) brother's daughter. They lived near Salem MA, and somehow she got involved in wicca, and for many years was a full fledged witch (we've lost touch and she may still be one). As part of trying to understand what was going on, did some reading on the subject.

 

[Anne]

Congrats, Tom...good guess!!! I'd never heard of a hex post...interesting.

 

[Jillaroo]

Good onya Tom

 

[SeaBreeze]

Congratulations Tom! :goodjob:

 

[Diwundrin]

Congrats Tom. :thumbsup: I've read a bit of that Wicca weirdo stuff but still never heard of a hex post.


... recognised it as an 'architrave' at least but got overlooked for a 'warmer'. Tut tch and waaaah! :stirthepot:
Off to sulk now.

 

[Phantom]

Hmmm Where can I obtain one (grins)

 

[SifuPhil]

Congrats Tom. :thumbsup: I've read a bit of that Wicca weirdo stuff but still never heard of a hex post.

HEY now! Some of my best friends are in the Craft ... :ghost:

... recognised it as an 'architrave' at least but got overlooked for a 'warmer'. Tut tch and waaaah! :stirthepot:
Off to sulk now.

Technically an architrave rests upon two or more columns.

"Warmer"?

 

[Diwundrin]

Well in that case the "warmer" is sufficient compensation.
Mmmmm, feelin' all warm and fuzzy again now.

 

[That Guy]

I'm melting!

 

[Michael.]

.

Well done .. That was a quick answer.

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