The world is changing at a rapid pace, and it’s not uncommon for trends and habits to come and go. As a result, many of us find ourselves living in a world that’s vastly different from the one we grew up in. Even the smallest things, like everyday objects and routines, can become lost in time.
This realization hit home for me when my grandmother would share stories about her childhood and show us strange objects that none of us could identify. It made me wonder if, when I’m older, I’ll be sharing similar stories with my own family.
The internet has a way of tapping into this sense of nostalgia, with “what’s this?” articles and photos circulating online. These posts showcase mysterious objects that have left people stumped, and it’s fascinating to see how many people can relate to not knowing what something is or what it was used for.
Recently, a photo of an antique tool has been making the rounds, and many people have been struggling to identify what it is and what its purpose was. At first glance, the tool looks like a regular old tree branch, V-shaped but otherwise unremarkable. However, its story dates back to the 1500s and a practice known as “water dowsing.”
The tool, also known as a “diviner,” “doodlebug,” “well witch,” or “water-finder,” was used to locate water. The process involved holding the two branches of the stick in each hand, with the stem of the V pointing towards the earth at a 45-degree angle. The user would then walk back and forth, searching for vibrations at the bottom of the V, which were believed to indicate the presence of water.
This practice, known as dowsing, originated in the 1500s as a method for finding metals in the ground. Later, people began using the same technique to find water for new homeowners in rural areas.
Check out the video below to learn more about water dowsing.
Did you know what this mysterious tool was used for? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
