The skep woodcut inquiry by Dennis has me working 
again on my History of Skeps Article.

I'm trying to learn more about this most fascinating and 
rare example of Early American Skep, discovered in New Hampshire. 

http://www.hudsonantiques.net/wideboard/2010/12/new-hampshire-bee-skep.html

This skep might be dated as far back as 1639, when the first 
settlement was founded in New Hampshire -up until about the 
1820's or so when box hive use began to be prevalent in New 
England. 

This skep can perhaps be realistically dated to the 18th Century.
But I wish to determine which culture influenced its design. 

English influence would be as far back as 1639 
Scotch-Irish influence would begin in 1719

The skep design appears to me to be 18 century English.   But 
I am not sure if the Scotch-Irish also constructed skeps in this
manner, this would be important information in fixing a date. 

The French-Canadian. Irish, Italians, Scandinavians 
and Polish which didn't arrive until after the mid 19th century, 
'could perhaps'  be ruled out. 
By that time movable frame hives will have been in use. 

Also investigating ....
I've gathered strong circumstantial evidence that shows skep 
beekeeping in hives the shape of what we traditionally know 
as skeps probably begins over 2000 years B.P.   in Ancient 
Rome.

In Ancient Roman/Greek writings, as many as nine types of hives 
were mentioned to be in use.  I am seeking sources on this topic.

Best Regards,
J. Waggle
https://www.facebook.com/Historical.Honeybee.Articles

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