Coconut Cup
Description
This half coconut shell, well-polished and with a flattened base, is likely to have been used as a cup or liquid measure. The men each had a beaker or bowl for their wine, which was poured from the communal ‘monkey’ - a wooden vessel - with the help of a small ‘jack’ equal to ½ a pint’. These ‘Jacks’ were often made from ½ a coconut. From the 15th century, coconuts were, treasured for their healing properties. Silversmiths were frequently called upon to mount coconuts in silver to make tankards, goblets and elaborate covered cups. Drinking from a coconut cup was believed to cure all sorts of ailments such as fever, kidney failure and tapeworm. They were not only restorative but were also thought to have the added power of being an aphrodisiac!
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Object Detail
Height: 100mm