Bodkin; accessory; cosmetic implement

Silver bodkin with engraved decoration. Its terminal is in the shape of a tiny spoon or scoop. Bodkins had a variety of uses. The scoop on this example could have been used as an ear cleaner. Cloth workers used bodkins, both sharp and blunt in their work. Bodkins were also used as part of the general household sewing kit. Sharp bodkins were used to make holes in fabric, but blunt bodkins were used for drawing a tape or ribbon through a loop or hem. Decorative bodkins like this were very fashionable and were worn in the hair as well. Bodkins could also have a medical function - they could be used to pierce and drain swellings and for cleaning ulcers.