The actual context in which the straight pins were found might be a clue to
who put them there and their possible function. Ralph Merrifield, The
Archaeology of Ritual Magic, addresses the use of pins to ward-off evil
spirits. Such pins were often embedded in floors, walls, and behind bricks of
portals. Bent ferrous pins, scissors, knives, and swords also served that
purpose. Of course, the dadgum things are small and could have simply fallen
out of the sewing kit.

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.