Beehive-Form String Holder
Carved Wood, Late 19th Century

This item is sold. It has been placed here in our online archives as a service for researchers and collectors.

Beehive
Beehive

Beehive-Form String Holder
American: Late 19th Century
Carved wood, probably walnut
7.5 inches high
7.5 inches diameter, base
Sold, please inquire as to the availability of similar items.

Beehive

A hand-carved string holder faithfully reproducing the typical domed form, proportions and details of a wicker beehive (also known as a skep).   The top half is removable to allow for the insertion of a ball of string dispensed through a hole in the middle of the bottom half.

In the 19th century, beehive-form string holders were popular, though more commonly made in cast iron.  The beehive had long been a symbol of industry and cooperation in heraldry, but was also adopted as an emblem by Freemasonry (Masons) and the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons).