Whetstone quiver
Display: Global Gastronomy
Culinary Technique: transport
Date: c. 1850
Manufacturer: marked "L.M."
Dimensions: 2.75" h x 3.25" w x 10.75" d
This quiver held a whetstone used to sharpen knives or scythes. The hook carved into its wooden shaft enabled a user to clip it to a strap or belt for hands-free carrying to the work site. Sometimes such quivers, with holes through which cords were laced, were worn around the neck. A farmer stabbed the quiver's pointed tip into the ground so the sheath would remain upright, then filled it with water, as a wet stone worked better to sharpen a scythe. Tools needed sharpening regularly throughout a long day of cutting wheat. The quiver is marked "L.M.," possibly the owner's initials.