Parchment Pricker

This lovely object is redolent of the sophisticated literate society in Waterford in the 13th century.

Made of ivory on a lathe it is one of two parchment prickers or styli found in St. Peter's church which were used by scribes to score several sheets of vellum at the same time, the better to write horizontally. This one is in perfect condition and even has the original iron point intact.

Parchment Pricker

A parchment pricker or styli, Made of ivory on a lathe.

Parchment Pricker

Parchment Pricker

A parchment pricker or styli, Made of ivory on a lathe.

Enlarge image

date/period: c.1250 A.D./Anglo-Norman

inventory no.: 1999.145

collection: Waterford City Council

location: Waterford Museum of Treasures exhibition

dimensions: 91 length mm

provenance: Found in excavations of Waterford city centre 1986-1992

material: ivory, iron

Further Reading:

Late Viking Age & Medieval Waterford Excavations 1986-1992. ISBN 1 872002 98 6