Rare Antique 17th C. Solid Oak Inglenook Beam End With Apotropaic Taper Burn For Sale

This rare 17th century solid oak inglenook beam end, salvaged directly from a historic farmhouse in Herefordshire, has an exceptionally well preserved apotropaic taper burn. Once forming part of a massive hearth bressummer beam, this beautiful piece of oak serves as a tangible reminder of how people felt vulnerable and how they went about protecting themselves during the 1600’s.Taper burns were deliberately created scorches on the wooden beams of homes, used as a form of ritual folk magic to ward off evil spirits, witches, and protect against fire or lightning strikes.They were strategically placed at vulnerable structural entry points, such as fireplaces, doorways, and windows, where a controlled, ritualised burn was believed to spiritually inoculate the timber framed home against fire and evil spirits.For centuries, historians assumed these distinct, tear shaped char marks were accidents caused by unattended candles. However, modern experimental archaeology has proven that they were intentionally crafted by holding a candle or rushlight at a 45 degree angle against the wood for up to 15 minutes, often requiring multiple rounds of burning and scraping to form a deep, permanent indentation.You’ll see it also has examples of scarification. These dense, vertical, and diagonal V-shaped slices were intentionally hacked into the wood using a hatchet or an adze. The rough surface gave the historic lime mortar or plaster a physical, mechanical grip to cling to.It displays magnificently and is a beautiful, solid piece of oak in its own right.Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound. Charred to the back as an inglenook beam should be.Measures 71cm x 30cm x 22cmWeighs 25,650 grams