ETHEU K000573

seillon gravé

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K000573
Milking poil with openwork motifs.
Switzerland, Bern, valley of Kandersteg
17th century
Wood
Height: 47 cm.
Width: 39.5 cm.
Depth: 19 cm.
Gift of Walter Fol to the Archaeology Museum in 1879

ETHEU Inv. K000573
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This milking pail flares towards the top to facilitate the transfer of the milk to other containers. The pail was made by the shepherd and eloquently attests to his manual skills: the sides are interlocking and held in place by finely-worked bands, which are adorned with floral motifs and an inscription in German. Held together without glue or nails, the pail has withstood the pressure of the milk and resisted its acidity. The rare quality of the piece transformed this utilitarian object into a symbol of pageantry: the pail was given pride of place on the wagon that carried the equipment up to the mountain pastures and was transmitted to subsequent generations as part of the family heritage

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Welcoming and sharing

In rural communities, hospitality is a right and a duty. Social interaction through sharing food and drink follows well-established rituals. This highly codified way of being together, regarded as a sign of civilisation, ensures respect and formality in the relationship between the people gathered around the table.

Cream

Alongside oil obtained from nuts and seeds, animal fats play a dominant role in the traditional continental diet. Butter and cream are eaten at feasts and prized as trade goods and gifts. Unlike lard, these dairy products are considered to be foodstuffs in their own right as well as condiments.

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