In the company of Madame Chatelaine

A chatelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with useful household objects such as scissors, thimbles, watches and keys.

Madame Chatelaine is the keeper of the castle, with total authority over who has access to what. And Madame Chatelaine makes sure you’ve seen her, for she is no shrinking violet.

Your mobile phone, hidden away in your handbag or pocket, is actually, probably, the most visible item you own. Messieurs Google and Facebook will take a long, hard stare at what’s in there, where you are, where you’ve been, who you speak and who you don’t and use that information at their will, both for and against you depending on which way the advertising wind is blowing, or which government comes knocking.

Hidden. But completely, uncontrollably visible.

Madame Chatelaine, however, is discretely indiscrete. There is no knowing her history or her current situation without her wanting you to know. And without regard to whether or not you want to know.

Nothing Madame Chatelaine carries with her is useless or without some meaning. Objects hang from her chains, in full view of any observer. It is all important, and all there to be seen and known and used.

“This is me” she says.

 

A sterling silver chatelaine complete with a whistle, folding buttonhook, coin purse, vinaigrette, and thimble bucket. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-killer-mobile-device-for-victorian-women/

If you were Madame Chatelaine, what would you hang from your chains?