[nb-NO]Object number[nb-NO]
51/444
[nb-NO]Description[nb-NO]
This sieve-like object is a chaff riddle, also known as a 'cavings riddle', and was used as an alternative to the winnowing fan for cleaning grain after threshing. The riddle would be shaken so that the dust and small seeds fell to the ground, leaving the corn behind, or, by making a circular motion, the chaff and lighter refuse could be collected in the centre. This riddle has a beech frame with a bamboo screen.
[nb-NO]Physical description[nb-NO]
1 chaff riddle: wood; good condition
[nb-NO]Archival history[nb-NO]
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The use of a cavings riddle to clean grain after threshing was an alternative to the winnowing fan. The riddle is a wide, round sieve with a mesh of rushes or split willow. The sieve was shaken so that the dust and small seeds fell through to the ground, leaving the corn behind. Alternatively, by making a circular motion, the chaff and lighter refuse collected in the centre. This latter process was called REEING. The riddle was also known as a SCREEN. // This cavings riddle has a beech frame and the screen is made of bamboo splits. // It measures 2 ft. 4.25 inches in diameter and 4 inches in height.'
[nb-NO]Object name[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]Material[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]Dimensions[nb-NO]
- Diameter 720 mm
- Depth 100 mm
[nb-NO]External document[nb-NO]
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_506.tif - High resolution image
