Accession Number

2014.020b

Description

A steel and brass fire shovel tool (part of a three-piece set), the threaded cast brass handle with detailing sourced from the Islamic design tradition, the bulbous top with geometric decoration reminiscent of the domes of mosques in the Middle East and northern Africa, the steel portion of the shovel a rounded shaft of slightly tapering width terminating in a shovel of sheet steel, its body pierced to form a curvilinear design.

Narrative

This shovel is one of three in a set of fire tools that incorporate Islamic design into the handles. During the late 19th Century, Islamic-inspired art and architectural features were often found in the houses of Europe and North America. In Victoria, B.C., some houses had Moorish smoking rooms.  Mary Jean Dunsmuir had one in her house Mt. Adelaide. Whether Craigdarroch contained an assortment of exotic Islamic-inspired objects during the Dunsmuir years is not known. However, objects like this set of firetools would have been ideal for use anywhere in Craigdarroch where there was a fireplace, and especially in its smoking room. 

History of Use

Unknown. Purchased at an Edmonton, Alberta used furnishings store before being donated to Craigdarroch Castle.

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

76 x 16 cm
4 cm

Material

Metal, steel; Metal, brass

Technique

Forged; Lost wax cast