L: 6.5cm Diam: 9.0cm Diam handle: 4.0cm
A butter press made of a dark brown hardwood. The press face has a geometric negative-relief design with 3 lines of symmetry. The pattern resembles a 6-pointed star with semi-circles in each section. The design is surrounded by 2 rings. The handle emanates from the centre of the back plate. It is very short and widens toward the end. The end is flat and circular.
Butter mold patterns were unique to the farm that used them. They were usually hand-carved by farmers or local craftspeople. Geometric patterns like this one differed from the traditional faunal and floral designs, but they ensured that the farmer’s trademark was instantly recognizable. Furthermore, wooden presses had to be replaced often, as they were exposed to moisture and salt. Geometric patterns could have been easier to replicate when carving new molds.
