Material Culture

This is a probate inventory – a survey of goods and possessions taken after someone's death. When Raphe Whitestones, bearward and yeoman, of Ormskirk in Lancashire died in 1622, a group of local people walked into his house and "assessed" every item thought to be worthy of documentation.

These are pots modelled on bears used in baiting. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and poses, but are most frequently shown sitting upright on their hindlegs with a dog between their front paws.