5 October 2006 -
7 January 2007

At Home in Renaissance Italy

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Mystery Object Quiz

A number of objects familiar around a Renaissance home are much less well known today. Can you work out the function of these household items?

You answered questions correctly out of 6.

1. Can you guess how this Renaissance object improved personal hygiene?

It was used as a tongue scraper
It was used to spoon wax from the ears
It was used to clean under the fingernails

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is b - It was used to spoon wax from the ears

2. Can you guess what this Renaissance press was used for?

Pressing handkerchiefs
Pressing flowers
Making pasta

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is a - It was used for pressing handkerchiefs

3. Can you guess what practical purpose these ceramic beads served?

As weights to counterbalance kitchen scales
Placing into a pastry case while baking
As weights used when spinning yarn

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is c - They served as weights when spinning yarn

These are Spindle Whorls, ceramic beads used as weights when spinning yarn. They were often added to the spindle, providing momentum and extending the fibres so they could be twisted into a yarn.

4. Can you guess the function of this small wooden frame with wheels?

For supporting a harp when it was played
As a baby walker
For moving large containers like wine barrels

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is b - It was used as a baby walker

5. Can you guess what this double sided metal stamp was used for?

Moulding wax as a seal on documents
Making wafers
Marking soft metals like gold with an assay
stamp, like a hallmark

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is b - It was used form making wafers

This is a Wafer Iron. Dough or batter was placed in the iron then it was closed, a bit like a modern waffle iron. It would be placed in the fire to cook. When it was ready the wafer could be peeled off the iron and eaten.

6. Can you guess how this terracotta container was used in the Camera (bedroom)?

To store water for washing
To keep home-made cosmetics cool
As a chamber pot

CORRECTINCORRECT

The answer is c - It was used as a chamber pot