ONCE again, our curiosity seems to have defeated our readers.

Last week's mystery object failed to elicit any correct guesses.

It was, in fact, a thible - a wooden stick used to make porridge or oatcake.

Experts at Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "Thibles have a long history, having being documented as early as in the 15th century.

"They were usually turned in hardwood tree branches, although sometimes a rung from a ladder or a worn sweeping brush handle could also be used.

"When making porridge, cooks normally mixed the cereals with milk, water, or both. Occasionally, treacle or beer was also added. Afterwards, the mixture was boiled for long periods to soften the ingredients. A thible was used to stir the porridge to prevent the formation of lumps.

"According to folklore porridge should be stirred using only the right hand and a clock-wise movement. It was considered that stirring in the other direction would invoke the devil and bring bad luck.

"This cooking implement is also known as thivle or thivvel in the North of England and spurtle in Scotland, although one can find many other local alternatives spellings."

We are now inviting guesses over the identity of this week's object. They can be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk.

Meanwhile, all items featured in this column are on display at Craven Museum and Gallery, which is located in Skipton Town Hall.