Thanks to all those people who contributed their thoughts about concealed
objects in old buildings. With regard to concealments that are part of a
European tradition there appears to be a trend apparent in both the UK and
Australia. In both places the shoes of children and teenagers constitute
about 40% of the total number of finds.
Even allowing for the fact that families were larger in the 19th century
than today this seems to be a higher proportion than would be expected if
the objects to be concealed had been selected at random. The figures
suggest a preference for concealing the shoes of children aged from about
three upwards.
I'm curious to know why this might be and would be interested to hear
other peoples' thoughts on this curious aspect of a very curious custom.
And if anyone feels like doing a little venting on the issue of why so
many archaeologists feel uncomfortable with attributing the custom to a
folk magic ritual please go right ahead. I'd love to hear your views.

Ian Evans
www.oldhouses.com.au