HoB_ABCs

Full description More a relic of another era than a classic early childhood text, the hornbook is one of the first forms of the "alphabet book." In this early American example the handwritten alphabet is covered in a thin layer of horn and hand stitched into a leather case. Hornbooks were worn on the person daily as an intimate way for a child to learn the alphabet and begin the process of literacy.

Literacy Made to serve as a tool for learning the alphabet, this hornbook's sole purpose, it contained nothing more than the 24 letters (excluding J and U) and was to aid in the process of literacy. Having a portable, pocket-like quality, the hornbook could be called upon at all times--in school, on the street, or at home--as a device to be referenced in the reading or spelling process.

Childhood The child owner of this hornbook could have acquired it has a hand-me-down from an older sibling. Probably purchased by a local townsperson or even made by the parents of the child themselves, the hornbook would have served as the child's first exposure to the alphabet. The child in possession of this hornbook was most likely educated in a small one-room schoolhouse with his siblings and other children in the community. Leading a stark life with emphasis on learning religion and hard work, the child was expected to be obedient to his elders. Worn as a part of the daily wardrobe and studied intimately, this hornbook was likely a prized personal possession.

Iconography Though small and simple, the cultural iconography represented in this hornbook's cross shape handle evokes the presence of religion in the life of the early Colonial American child. Enduring up to the harshness of the everyday, the hornbook is durable and somber. Unlike many of the earlier European hornbooks inlaid with silver and gold, there is nothing frivolous about this hornbook. Its purpose was utilitarian--to teach the alphabet to the owner. Perhaps the hornbook would then be handed down to the next child in the family or community circle and aid in the same mission.

Production Small, compact, composed of hand stitched leather, paper and horn, this easily hand-held hornbook is handmade and one of a kind. Pierced with a hole so it can be hung around a cord, the hornbooks were often worn on a child's belt or satchel. The letters on this hornbook are hand drawn capital serif letters, as opposed to printed text, showing the time spent in making this unique item.