An ancient locking door latch with a key made of wood and rope?
December 29, 2018 2:01 PM Subscribe
Several years ago, I read an article about a type of lock for which the key was an irregularly-shaped block of wood hanging from a cord. The block would be passed through a hole cut in the door and dangle down inside, with the user retaining it by holding the cord. The block's shape would allow it to engage with a swinging latch, which would be lifted when the user pulled the cord.
I believe that these mechanisms have been in continuous use since ancient times, in some particular region of the world. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
I recall the article including photos and/or diagrams of the mechanism.
The specific article I read was structured around an anecdote illustrating imperialist and classist assumptions made by western academics: western archaeologists were finding large numbers of these funny-shaped wooden blocks on cords but their purpose was an archaeological mystery. Finally, an archaeologist noticed one hanging from the belt of a local worker and asked him what it was for. It turns out that working-class people had been using these locks continuously for like a thousand years or something, but these wealthy western academics had never been in a situation where they would see one.
I don't necessarily need to find that specific article, but I would like to figure out at least what keywords I can search for to find more information, what part of the world they are from. Anyone know?
I recall the article including photos and/or diagrams of the mechanism.
The specific article I read was structured around an anecdote illustrating imperialist and classist assumptions made by western academics: western archaeologists were finding large numbers of these funny-shaped wooden blocks on cords but their purpose was an archaeological mystery. Finally, an archaeologist noticed one hanging from the belt of a local worker and asked him what it was for. It turns out that working-class people had been using these locks continuously for like a thousand years or something, but these wealthy western academics had never been in a situation where they would see one.
I don't necessarily need to find that specific article, but I would like to figure out at least what keywords I can search for to find more information, what part of the world they are from. Anyone know?
Skip to 10:40 in this video. Or the speaker's research page. It's not quite what you're recalling but is close.
posted by Candleman at 2:25 PM on December 29, 2018
posted by Candleman at 2:25 PM on December 29, 2018
Related: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCU2aF1TL0, though I don't recall the name.
posted by isauteikisa at 2:32 PM on December 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by isauteikisa at 2:32 PM on December 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
At 30 min into Candleman's video, it describes exactly what you're looking for I believe!
posted by TheCoug at 6:26 PM on December 29, 2018
posted by TheCoug at 6:26 PM on December 29, 2018
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posted by MonkeyToes at 2:18 PM on December 29, 2018 [2 favorites]