SC - Haversacks and nefts (??)

[Decker, Terry D.]

Hey from ANne-Marie

for what its worth, I know the term "haversack" is used in the non-SCA
re-enactment community as the term for an over the shoulder bag used to
carry food, etc. AKA "wallet" (see Alexander Neckhams 12th century
writings)  or "pilgrams bag". You see TONS of medieval illos showing
pilgrims with these handy bags, often sporting a nice coquille st jacques
:) (showing that they've been or going to Compostella)

for the other, I've never heard that term except as applied to salt cellars
as already stated (but I'm no expert....). Also, given that most medieval
inventories dont show a lot of cutlery (see Dyers Standards of Living in
the Later Middle Ages), and I doubt upperclass folks would have brought
their own to a banquet (except maybe thier knife), I think the whole
concept is rather Current Middle Ages anyway. Again, our medieval pilgrams
often have their knife on their belt and thier spoon shoved through their
hat. (ie dont need a whole box for the cutlery, as there's only the two
pieces). 

Still, the SCA practice of using our own lexicon has a great and glorious
history. I use my "haversack" for carrying feast gear all the time, and
dont really have a problem using that term (though its interseting to know
that its not a medieval term...hmmm...maybe I WILL start calling mine my
"wallet") as the practice of carrying your own plates etc around isnt very
medieval either, but a neccessity of the game we play :).

hope this helps, some?

- --AM