It is an insert to hold butter or some other food above a chamber filled 
with ice.
I've seen em utilitarian like these, and fancier - of porcelain, for 
instance.
S. Walter

-----Original Message----- 
From: Stacy Kozakavich
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2015 2:54 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Ceramic Artifact ID?

Hello All,

I've found a few examples of a ceramic artifact type in the collection of a 
California historic house museum, and I can't figure out what they are.

The objects are circular white earthenware discs, glazed and undecorated, 
between 6" and 8" in diameter, with what appears to be a footring, and with 
a single approximately 1/2" hole in the center of each. The hole was cut 
before glazing.

A picture can be viewed here: 
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/13574856/Ceramic_Artifact.jpg (this 
photo is of two of the objects stacked on top of one another).

I'd appreciate the input of anyone knows this artifact.

Thanks,
Stacy Kozakavich
Oakland, CA