Bee Skep

01

Artifact Overview

Beekeepers protected their bees using organic materials. This skep consisted of coiled grain straw bound with ash or hickory splint. Bees entered through the opening and made their honeycomb to store food and sustain the hive's bee larvae within the structure. Beekeepers could harvest honey or bee wax or sustain the hive for crop pollination.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bee skep

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

77.11.119

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mary Dana Wells.

Material

Straw (Plant material)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 12 in
Diameter: 15 in

Bee Skep