10 Ancient and Modern Artifacts Whose Purposes Required the Help of Scholars (19 photos)

We encounter oddities at every turn – in a store, on a walk, at a flea market. Even our own newly purchased shoes can pose a puzzle and surprise us.





But riddles and oddities are a tasty morsel for the online community of erudite scholars. Thanks to them, no object, no matter how mysterious, will continue to exist in incognito mode, and its functionality will inevitably be revealed.

1. A handmade ceramic mug and saucer. The mug has a hole in the bottom, and the saucer has a spout for pouring.



A microwave-safe bacon fryer. The bacon slices hang over the rim of the cup, and the grease drains out of the hole, which can then be easily poured out of the spout.





2. The red plastic stick came with the old boots.



Spike inserter. The soles have plastic inserts with spikes that can be easily turned over with a spoon.



3. Wooden stand with a rotating metal blade



A girolle is a tool for slicing Tête de Moine cheese. This Swiss cheese, whose name translates as "Monk's Head," is unique in its method of serving. Rather than being sliced, it is scraped with a special tool, creating fine, airy shavings. This cutting method not only creates a unique texture but also alludes to an ancient legend about the monks' tonsure ceremony. The recipe for this cheese, born within the walls of the abbey in Secourt 800 years ago, remains virtually unchanged to this day.



4. A kitchen utensil in the form of a ladle with a handle and lid, connected to a bowl



A couscous maker (couscous cooker) is a special two-tiered pot for cooking couscous. Its design is ingenious in its simplicity: the lower part, which is placed on the stove, is used to cook a fragrant broth with meat and vegetables. The upper tier, a fine-mesh colander, is fixed on top. The steam rising from the broth evenly steams the grains. If the holes in the top are too large, place a cloth napkin on the bottom to prevent grains from spilling into the broth.



5. A plastic cup holder-like item from a thrift store



A paper plate and cup or bottle holder for a party.



6. Antique wooden tool with a metal base



Knife sharpener.

7. A long wooden handle with a metal plate and wheels at the end



A rigging crowbar. A simple and versatile tool for lifting heavy loads and moving them short distances.

8. A large ceramic container on a stand with a faucet



A clay water filter, which is very popular in Brazil. A ceramic water filter is a simple and effective solution for water purification. Retains dirt and other mechanical impurities. To combat germs, the filter surface is often silver-plated.



9. A kitchen tool in the form of a metal ring on a plastic-coated handle



A donut maker is a donut baking device that allows you to easily place dough into boiling oil and safely remove donuts and crumpets.



10. Wooden hanging shelf with a heart-shaped cutout and three small metal hooks



Wall shelf for teacups.