Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Cavity Prone Humpday Triviola
Well, in an hour I'm off to the dentist for the routine cleaning. Any bets on how many cavities they'll find? Maybe I can swipe the drill when he is out of the room. It might be handy for fine carving work in the shop. Think he'll notice? ;-)
On to the question:
In 15th century Europe it was not uncommon for wealthier people to have their likeness carved in wood after they die. They did that for a specific purpose. What was it?
Tommy
They Didn't Have Digital Cameras?
0 Cavities, 1 Hint....
The images of the deceased would need to be carved very soon after their death.
Tommy
Hint #2
These wooden carvings played a role in remembering the deceased.
T.
Still don't have a clue.
Unless
Could they have been used to cover the face of the deceased in the coffin since they did not have the embalming techniques they have today?
Re: Hint #2
The first thing that came to mind was a gissant - the image or effigy of the deceased that was placed on top of the sarcophagous. Most gissants were made of stone, unless the wooden model was to be either a cheaper substitute or a pattern for the stone carver.
FNelson
Re: Hint #2
used to keep their wigs on as they didn't bury them?
Hint #3 Keep Guessing!!
The carving was basically a form of chip carving and when done served a utilitarian function. That function ultimately was for the benefit of the funeral attendees.
Keep guessing!!!
Tommy
Death mask..........
No, think utilitarian European chip carving
Re: Hint #3 Keep Guessing!!
The chips were given to mourners as momentoes much like the little printed cards with info about edeceased
Shamelessly Easy Hint #4
Maida Heater would be familiar with the use of these carvings.
T.
Re: Shamelessly Easy Hint #4
WAG... Most people couldn't read so it was a "sign" to let people know whose funeral it was.
glc
Re: Shamelessly Easy Hint #4
chips used to light funeral pyre. Or to heat your peas porridge after funeral.
No...But getting Warmer
The food angle is the correct direction...although we are not talking porridge.
How About Smoked Ham??
Oh For Crying Out Loud! The Answer!!
I figured the hint of Maida Heater...queen of baking cookies would have been the lynch pin to the answer.
The answer is cookie molds. The Northern and Eastern European countries have had long traditions making carved wooden cookie molds. In the 15th Century weathier folks would have their likeness carved into a mold after their death. Cookies would be made in their likeness and funeral attendees would eat pieces of the cookies to have a rememberance of the departed within them.
Very appetizing eh? ;-)
Tom
Crimminies-Thank you
Wonder if they made Devils Food Cakes- or if a female how about Lady Fingers?