The picture is of a common glass item that could be found in many homes during the 18th to early 20th century. These items would be used to contain salt that would be passed around the dinning table. It wasn't until the early 1900's when salt shakers slowly replaced salt dips. There were many reasons why salt remained in an open container like a salt dip and not a salt shaker. One being how salt was prepared and the other dealing with caking of salt.
Links:
Questions
- Describe the history of salt dips?
- Explain why open salt dips were used when storing salt?
- What is salt caking? How was salt caking prevented to allow for the use of salt shakers? (also provide a picture of salt caking)
Excellent information and links on antique glass salt dips.
ReplyDeleteUntil this glass, I had never even heard of salt dips. I will definitely reference your post if students ask the purpose, history or creation of salt dips! (They always want more information about the odd and usual!)
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ReplyDeleteWhen we saw this with Mr. Six...I really thought it was a candle holder. I even leaned over and told Rick that my mom has some candle holders like those. :) Boy was I wrong. Great audioboo!
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