Nef (napkin holder)

A nef is a boat-shaped ornament and dish used in the Middle Ages. It was placed in the middle of the High Table, where the lord sat. It was usually made of silver, but richer lords could afford to purchase one made of gold. Lords with a nef generally tried to show off their wealth to nobles and other lords at times of banquets and feasts.

Further reading

*Lightbown, R. W. "Secular Goldsmith’s Work in Medieval France: A History." London: Society of Antiquaries of London, 1978.
*Oman, Charles. "Medieval Silver Nefs." London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1963.
*Truman, Charles. “Ships on Board.” "Country Life" vol. 183, no. 38 (1989): 218-221.

ources

External links

* [http://www.larsdatter.com/nefs.htm Nefs in the Middle Ages and Renaissance] Links to nefs in museums, as well as medieval illustrations of nefs, demonstrating the range of uses for pre-17th century nefs.