The broomstick was a relatively late arrival to the imagery of

witchcraft. Witches were always thought to have flown, but until approximately the 19th century, they were depicted riding on forked sticks. Those who practiced magic and spells certainly availed themselves of "flying ointment". It is now believed that the ointment would have had hallucinogenic properties, and would have included the compound atropine, whose chemical formula is depicted in the tapestry.

 

 

 

Installation; size variable.

Knotted tapestry and broomstick.

2009

Cotton, linen, synthetic yarns