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Butter Churn

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© Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

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Basic Information

Accession Number:1965T907
Collection:Social History - Pinto Collection
Date:1600 - 1700

Notes

A rare English plunger churn, believed to date from the 17th century. It is unusual both because it tapers outwards towards the top of the churn and also because it is turned from a single piece of sycamore rather than made by a cooper from staves which have been bound together with wood or metal hoops. The carved stick is probably a later addition.BR>Plunger churns were amongst the earliest types of churn to be developed. In the 18th century they were largely superseded by barrel and box churns and fell out of use.Making butter was exclusively women's work . It was a hard and repetitive task which called for strength and a steady rhythm.

Purchased from Edward H Pinto, 1965.

Further Information

Production Period:17th century
Medium:Turned.
Material(s):Sycamore wood
Place of Origin:England

Dimensions

Height:26.5 cm
Diameter:15.6 cm