There are times when we may see something that is easy to recognize but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy to identify. This includes many things that may have been commonplace years ago but they are rarely seen today.
One interesting artifact in this way is the antique sink that was used for mopping. Rather than being up where you can easily access it for washing your hands, it was set around the height of your knees and it was very useful for its purpose.
You would often see these mopping sinks in higher-class and more expensive homes years ago. Some of them may even continue to have their sinks in existence, and it shows you how the management of the household has really changed over the years.
Typically, an antique mopping sink would be made from a type of stone or porcelain. They were set at a lower height to make it easier to fill up a bucket or to lift water from the sink to use for cleaning.
There was a lot of thought that went into the design and location of the sinks, as it allowed for their practical use and the efficiency of getting things done around the home. This not only benefited the householder but often, they benefited the staff who was working at the home.
Typically, you would find one of these mopping sinks in and out of the way area, such as a utility closet or in the back of the home. A householder would want to keep any domestic workers out of sight so it didn’t interrupt the flow of the household.
Aside from practical use, the antique marking sink also shows the craftsmanship associated with the time they were in use. Often, they were designed eloquently and had many features that were only for aesthetics. In addition, they were made from materials that were durable and many have survived to this day.
When you look at the antique mopping sink, you can’t think about the cultural significance that it had during those years. It also reminds us that things do change around the home and the way that we handle the household. It’s just something to consider when we see one in use.
