Everyday Magic: Some Mysteries of the Mantlepiece

Abstract

Small mass-produced objects, such as ceramic figurines, that may have been displayed on mantelpieces, are found in working-class nineteenth and early twentieth century archaeological contexts. Above the hearth, at the heart of the home, objects located on the mantelpiece could be said to be central in reflecting a number of aspects of the lives of those who placed them there. These could include identity, resistance, memory and superstition.

Keywords

• Historical archaeology
• mass-produced miniatures
• nineteenth century
• working class
• mantelpiece
• identity