Resources
Colonial Decorative Art
In the early 1700′s, sponge painting and “spotting” appeared. “Spotting” dates to around 1730 and refers to the decorative application of dots on walls and sometimes ceilings. This was usually done in black dots on whitewash, but occasionally colored water-based distemper paints were used, such as dark gray dots (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) on a red ceiling.
Apotropaic Marks
Markings have been found in Europe, New England and Australia. For examples of these markings see links below:
For a great summary of types of marks see the Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group - Click Here
John Hale House
Saltire 'X' engravings are also found on a beam in the John Hale House. John Hale was a prominent figure in the Salem Witch Trials. To our knowledge, this is the only other example of these 'X' engravings in New England. Please contact us if you know of another example. To learn more about the Rev. John Hale House in Beverly, MA - Click Here.
Are the 'X' engravings potential apotropaic design elements? The note from the VAG below suggests this is possible.
Saltire 'X' Engravings in the UK
The VAG in the UK shared an image that shows how 'X' designs were assumed to have an apotropaic function in the UK during the 16th-18th centuries. Note the saltires on the door frames in the image below.
In the early 1700′s, sponge painting and “spotting” appeared. “Spotting” dates to around 1730 and refers to the decorative application of dots on walls and sometimes ceilings. This was usually done in black dots on whitewash, but occasionally colored water-based distemper paints were used, such as dark gray dots (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) on a red ceiling.
- Arlington Historical Society, Jason Russell House Example - Click Here
- Historic Period Interior Design and Home Decor - Click Here
- Also see pages 194, 195 of Abbott Cummings book.
Apotropaic Marks
Markings have been found in Europe, New England and Australia. For examples of these markings see links below:
- Winslow House, MA - Click Here
- Fairbanks House, MA (Oldest timber frame house in the US) - Click Here
- Knole, UK - Click Here for Guardian Newspaper article
- National Trust, UK - Click Here
- Wookey Hole, Somerset, UK - Click Here
- Lassco, Here be Witchcraft - Click Here
- Tasmania, Australia - Click Here
For a great summary of types of marks see the Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group - Click Here
John Hale House
Saltire 'X' engravings are also found on a beam in the John Hale House. John Hale was a prominent figure in the Salem Witch Trials. To our knowledge, this is the only other example of these 'X' engravings in New England. Please contact us if you know of another example. To learn more about the Rev. John Hale House in Beverly, MA - Click Here.
Are the 'X' engravings potential apotropaic design elements? The note from the VAG below suggests this is possible.
Saltire 'X' Engravings in the UK
The VAG in the UK shared an image that shows how 'X' designs were assumed to have an apotropaic function in the UK during the 16th-18th centuries. Note the saltires on the door frames in the image below.
Linda Hall, Period House Fixtures & Fittings (2005) - To find out more and to purchase this great book - Click Here (US) or Click Here (UK)
Research Papers
We have had the pleasure of speaking with many experts as we have researched our markings. Notable research papers below:
We have had the pleasure of speaking with many experts as we have researched our markings. Notable research papers below:
- Timothy Easton - Apotropaic Symbols on Cast Iron Firebacks
- C. Riley Auge - Silent Sentinels: Archaeology, Magic, and the Gendered Control of Domestic Boundaries in New England, 1620-1725
- Chris Manning - Material Culture of Household Apotropaia in Eastern United States
- Ian Evans - Ritual Marks and Magic
- Bob Meeson - Ritual Marks and Graffiti: Curiosities or Meaningful Symbols?
First and Second Period Buildings
- A great reference for houses built during these periods can be found on the Historic Ipswich site. Click Here
- The famous Abbot Cummings book, The Framed Houses of Massachusetts Bay, 1625-1725, can be found Here
- Chamfer stops in the UK. A Provisional Mode of Reference. Click Here