1729 – Bone tools

Physical description:

Set of 5 bone tools - made from long, thin, slightly curving bones, with one end roughly rounded and the other scored with a deep groove. One has lines scratched into it, and one has thread wrapped round it at one end.

Museum classification:

Working Tools

Size:

100 x 10 x 8

Information:

These may be the tools referred to in a label by Cecil Williamson, which reads: "A Small Collection of Bone Tools. Purchased from the E. Lovett Collection, stated as having belonged to Mary Nalder, witch or wisewoman of Stepney, London, and used by her when shaping and making wax figures for use in her spell casting operations. Acquired by E. Lovett in 1909." (But see also 352 and 499, which are also possibilities.)
Edward Lovett (1851-1933) was a collector of London folkloric and magical artefacts, who exhibited his collection in London, and this label demonstrates that Cecil Williamson was influenced by him during his own formative time in London. (Thanks to Steve Patterson for this information.) Update Feb 2011 from Doug Kaylor 'The bones appear to be baculum, which are the penis bones found in most mammals. This may be a clue to their specific magical function, especially if Mary Nalder worked spells for the increase of lust and fecundity on behalf of clients.'

Resource:

Object

Materials:

Bone, fabric

Copyright ownership:

Treetrunk Ltd

These may be the tools referred to in a label by Cecil Williamson, which reads: "A Small Collection of Bone Tools. Purchased from the E. Lovett Collection, stated as having belonged to Mary Nalder, witch or wisewoman of Stepney, London, and used by her when shaping and making wax figures for use in her spell casting operations. Acquired by E. Lovett in 1909." (But see also 352 and 499, which are also possibilities.)
Edward Lovett (1851-1933) was a collector of London folkloric and magical artefacts, who exhibited his collection in London, and this label demonstrates that Cecil Williamson was influenced by him during his own formative time in London. (Thanks to Steve Patterson for this information.) Update Feb 2011 from Doug Kaylor 'The bones appear to be baculum, which are the penis bones found in most mammals. This may be a clue to their specific magical function, especially if Mary Nalder worked spells for the increase of lust and fecundity on behalf of clients.'