Mast, button

Object ID
2019.999.169
Category
Vessel Fragment, Masting & rigging component
Materials
Wood; metal
Description

Mast button with section of mast from St. Roch. Mast section has been sawn off at steep angle and is painted buff. Button is also painted wood. Three holes have been drilled through vertically presumably to house radio antennae cables. At center of button a hole most likely from a lightning rod has been filled with an epoxy like substance. The top of the button has been festooned with twenty iron nails that stand proud to ward off birds from landing.

Related person/organization
donated by: Parks Canada
History of Use
It was considered a rite of passage in many vessels to stand atop the button. Often when the yards were manned for ceremony the youngest ship's boy would be given the dubious honour of this platform.