For a large number of people among the middling sort in early modern England, a commitment to Christianity went hand in hand with folkloric belief. This late medieval coffer or ark (a type of chest) was originally used to store grain. Raised from the floor by its feet, it protected precious goods from the dirty and often damp ground. The lock seen on the front provided further security against thieves. Foodstuffs such as grain and malt were necessary provisions for making bread and beer. They were also valuable to members of the middling sort as they could be traded.<br /> <br /> A household’s sustenance and livelihood might depend on these goods, so they had to be kept safe from all threats, including those offered by supernatural beings. Circular marks were inscribed into the lid of this otherwise plain item. This ‘graffiti’ is believed to date from the early 1600s and is similar to marks found on wooden objects (like bowls) and on timber beams in buildings. These ritual marks, usually symbolising God (circles symbolising eternity) or the Virgin Mary, were intended to ward off spirits such as fairies or the familiar creatures used by witches. Their appearance on this grain ark suggests that the owner was particularly worried about maleficent forces corrupting the goods inside.
Grain Ark (Coffer), 1350-1700

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Grain Ark

Grain Ark (Coffer), 1350-1700

For a large number of people among the middling sort in early modern England, a commitment to Christianity went hand in hand with folkloric belief. This late medieval coffer or ark (a type of chest) was originally used to store grain. Raised from the floor by its feet, it protected precious goods from the dirty and often damp ground. The lock seen on the front provided further security against thieves. Foodstuffs such as grain and malt were necessary provisions for making bread and beer. They were also valuable to members of the middling sort as they could be traded.

A household’s sustenance and livelihood might depend on these goods, so they had to be kept safe from all threats, including those offered by supernatural beings. Circular marks were inscribed into the lid of this otherwise plain item. This ‘graffiti’ is believed to date from the early 1600s and is similar to marks found on wooden objects (like bowls) and on timber beams in buildings. These ritual marks, usually symbolising God (circles symbolising eternity) or the Virgin Mary, were intended to ward off spirits such as fairies or the familiar creatures used by witches. Their appearance on this grain ark suggests that the owner was particularly worried about maleficent forces corrupting the goods inside.

Object Type Coffer
Year 1350-1700
Material Wood
Owned By SBT 1995-21
Keywords assets; storing; consuming; belief; superstition; food; home; security; wood; furniture
Image Credit Grain Ark (1350-1700). SBT 1995-21. CC-BY-NC-ND; Image Courtesy of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

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