[Bryn-gwlad] documenting gamecloths

[Coblaith Mhuimhneach]

Cuan wrote:
> Just to stir discussions up, I don't remember seeing references to 
> people using gameboxes, at least not the type that are being discussed 
> here and in the timeframe we are concerned with.  Certainly not the 
> small basswood type that we can find at the craft stores.

My recommendation was based on a specific artifact--a tric-trac box 
made in 15th-century Venice.  It is made of bone, walnut, rosewood, 
oak, and something called "Blindholz" for which Leo 
<http://dict.leo.org/> didn't offer a translation.  It measures 11.3 by 
23.1 by 14.8 centimeters (roughly four-and-a-half by nine by 
five-and-three-quarters inches).   And it resembles those craft-store 
boxes pretty closely, aside from the hinges (which are, apparently, 
hidden) and undoubtedly the clasp.  Its photo is available on the site 
of the Bavarian National Museum in Munic, at 
<http://www.uni-klu.ac.at/kultdoku/kataloge/51/html/3520.htm>.


Coblaith Mhuimhneach
<mailto:Coblaith at sbcglobal.net>