Faith Will Protect You From Women Bearing Distaves and Other Grotesque Forces of Chaos
This illustration is from the Luttrell Psalter, a 14th century illuminated manuscript of the book of psalms. The Psalter is part of the collection of the British Library, and you can view individual pages here or in a page-turning presentation that includes text and audio narration here for broadband or here for narrowband.
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According to the article at Wikipedia, the Luttrell Psalter "is considered to be the richest source for everyday rural life in England of the Middle Ages."
Including, apparently, the danger of angry women bearing distaves. Note the spindle with a well-filled cop hanging from the distaff.
These figures appear in the margin of Psalm 31 on page 8 of the Psalter.
Here is a rather more peaceful scene of a woman feeding her hen and chicks, distaff and spindle at the ready in her waistband, the forces of chaos held at bay.
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ummm ... that's not a nostepinde and he hasn't been stabbed. This is a medieval version of a woman with a headache. Or in today's lingo, she just said no, not tonight.
Posted by: Vicki | March 18, 2007 at 03:50 PM
I've got to agree with Sharon- she kind of looks like "he". Maybe the victim has been "unfaithful" explaining the beating or was caught playing with her distaff and spindle and was gored with a nostepinne for good measure.
Posted by: Manise | February 27, 2007 at 08:05 PM
I think these are my favorite pictures yet! :-)
Wonder what he did to deserve that beating. Too much time down the pub, not enough time carding wool for her?... And, uh, did she STAB him too, or is that just something sticking out of his shirt pocket? Yikes.
Posted by: Beth S. | February 27, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I think it's a cross dresser. Where's her womanly figure??
Posted by: Sharon | February 26, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Alternate title "Thank you, ma'am, may I have another."
Posted by: Kathy | February 26, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Smote (smited?) with the distaff of displeasure.
LOL, Laurie M - I was just thinking the same about the nostepinne!
Posted by: roggey | February 26, 2007 at 11:19 AM
That'll teach that no-good useless slacker to forget to feed the lambs.
Seriously, look how spindly and weak he is, and she's this tower of strength. Verrrrry interesting.
Posted by: Martha | February 26, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Hmmm. Hadn't thought to use my distaff that way. Thanks for the helpful hint!
Posted by: Sylvia | February 25, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Medieval husband abuse? And people are surprised by it today!
Has the fellow been stabbed with a nostepinne?
Posted by: LaurieM | February 25, 2007 at 08:58 AM
A formidable weapon indeed, despite the padding.
Posted by: Laurie | February 25, 2007 at 08:34 AM