Identification

The word "chatelaine" derives from the Latin word for castle. It refers to the lady who, in the Medieval times, was in charge of the day-to-day castle functions. The chatelaine ordered supplies, did the bookkeeping and supervised the servants. She also taught the children who lived in the castle and served as a guide to the guests. One of her most important responsibilities was to keep the keys to the castle.

Function

Because the chatelaine kept the keys, she needed a place to put them where they would be safe and accessible. By the 17th century a metal jeweled ornament, called a chatelaine, was a popular practical organizing device. It hung from a pocket or attached to a person's belt. Dangling down from the chatelaine would be a few chains and hooks. Keys, a pen, and a note-pad were among the things that could be carried on the chatelaine.

History

The National Maritime Museum has two 19th century chatelaines in its collection. The British Museum has a much older, seventh century chatelaine plate made from a copper alloy. The beaded purses of the 19th century were hung from a chatelaine frame such as the one on display at the Powerhouse Museum.

Types

A popular modern sewing gadget also has the name chatelaine. It is a miniature pin cushion attached by a fabric tape measure to a small, often ornate, pair of sewing scissors. Sometimes the pin cushion is personalized in counted cross stitch or needlepoint. The idea is for the chatelaine to hang around the seamstress' neck so that she never needs to hunt for her needles or scissors.

Expert Insight

The word, "chatelaine," has come to have other meanings as well. It can refer to a tour guide or a hostess, harking back to the original role of the lady of the castle. It can be a metaphor for a collection of seemingly unrelated items as is the Cheryl's Chatelaine blog.