Name/Title
CowbellEntry/Object ID
990.11.18Description
This object is a metal cowbell. It is a hollow triangular prism in shape with a height greater than its width. It has heavily rounded edges, with the narrowest edge being located at the top and the widest extent being located at the bottom. A narrow curved piece of metal affixed to the top acts as a handle or anchor point. The metal of the exterior is slightly lustrous yellow/brown. The surface of the exterior is heavily pitted. The pits are black in color at depth and lustrous yellow/brown around the upper sections. The interior face of the bell is covered in a matte brown corrosion product with a slight red tinge. The clapper is a ring shaped circular piece of brown metal, similar in color to the interior face of the bell, which is affixed to the interior by another piece of metal.Context
Early cowbells were made of shells, wood, iron, brass, and were attached around the neck of livestock. The sound of the bell helped farmers track their animals at a distance. Bells made of different sizes, shapes and materials produced different sounds and could help a farmer identify which animal was out of place.
In Goulbourn, Stittsville was first a place to buy and sell cattle. Known as the “Fair Green” the grassy triangle of land at Hazeldean and Carp Roads was a gathering place for farmers. As settlers cleared land and developed farms, more horses and cattle were sold at the Fair Green.Collection
Artefact Collection: PrimaryLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CowbellNomenclature Primary Object Term
Bell, AnimalNomenclature Sub-Class
Animal Care EquipmentNomenclature Class
Animal Husbandry T&ENomenclature Category
Category 04: Tools & Equipment for MaterialsSearch Terms
Husbandry, Pasture, Cow, Bell, Farming, Ranch, Cattle, Livestock, Farm ToolLegacy Lexicon
Object Name
Cowbell, Bell, AnimalDimensions
Height
19 cmWidth
9.5 cmLength
15 cmDimension Notes
Orientation: Vertical
Measured on (date): Jan 2025
