Monday Mystery Artifact
The seed has started, — who can stay it? See,
The leaves are sprouting high above the ground ;
Already o'er the flowers, its head; the tree
That rose beside it and that on it frowned,
Behold! is but a small bush by its side…
--Jones Very, “The Acorn,” c. 1839
In honor of AnnArbor.com’s logo, today’s Mystery Artifact is a pair of acorns. Connected by a thin 5-inch string that appears to be original, the acorns each have a ¼-inch-wide hole in their bases. A glowing ivory-tan color, the items seem to be made of an early plastic such as Bakelite or celluloid. Each one is just under an inch long.
Several contextual clues may be seen in the photo, taken on the second floor of the Ypsilanti Historical Museum. How were these charming acorns used? Who might have owned them? In which room of the original house might you have found them? One hint: you can still buy a modern version of these acorns today. What do you think they are? Feel free to take a guess in “comments.” Good luck!
The answer, and a new Mystery Artifact, will be posted next Monday.
Comments
erksnerks
Thu, Jul 30, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
No worries! Ciao for now.
erksnerks
Thu, Jul 30, 2009 : 9:20 a.m.
No worries! Ciao for now.
Laura Bien
Thu, Jul 30, 2009 : 12:30 a.m.
erksnerks: oh, no worries, please, it's just that I can neither confirm nor deny the identity of these items till next Monday. Your guess might be closer than you think.
erksnerks
Wed, Jul 29, 2009 : 8:51 p.m.
Bummer, I was sure they were knitting needle guards. Onward to the figure out.... Cheers.
Laura Bien
Wed, Jul 29, 2009 : 6:33 p.m.
Interesting guess...keep them coming, please, till next Monday's answer!
erksnerks
Wed, Jul 29, 2009 : 1:21 p.m.
Okay then I tred out on a thin limb.... "needle guardians" to keep knitted stitches in place?
Laura Bien
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 10:19 p.m.
erksnerks: you're getting warmer...
erksnerks
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 10:15 a.m.
I am guessing a needle case...
Laura Bien
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 4:07 p.m.
Another good guess--just about the same size as earplugs, aren't they?
Building Place
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 2:35 p.m.
I would say earplugs, but 5 inches seems a little short for adults and 1/4" diameter seems a little big for kids......
Laura Bien
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 9:47 a.m.
Very good guess Mr. M.! These little guys could be just about anything, couldn't they? Answer next Monday; keep those good guesses coming!
Bob Martel
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 9:29 a.m.
Are they curtain ties?