Search records
Results

Cast of a Hollandtide fairing biscuit

Date made: 1923

Maker: unknown

Description: These plaster casts - taken from a set of tin moulds - were used to make ginger bread fairings or biscuits, for sale at Tynwald and Hollandtide fairs on the Isle of Man.

Such biscuits were commonly for sale at fairs on the Isle of Man in the early part of the 20th century, but they may be the vestiges of a much earlier tradition. The characters which they symbolise are possibly of Scandinavian origin, and may originally have been representations of Odin, Frigga, Thor, Sleipnir and Goldcomb, all figures from Norse mythology. If this is correct then this is a remarkable survival of a Viking custom into the modern age.

Measurements: 15 x 7 x 1 cm

Materials: plaster

Object name: cast

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1954-0255/4

Comments

Optional, not displayed

Manx National Heritage (MNH) will always put you in control of the information we send you. Read our privacy policy