KATE ‘the gull’ turner

1888 - 1961⁠

Suggested by Julie House⁠

Sea Witch of Penryn⁠

This image is of the talking tambourine, once owned by Kate ‘the gull’ Turner, the sea witch of Penryn. With it she made all kinds of readings and predictions, mostly concerning sea faring matters such as weather, fish catches and contracts for the carrying of cargoes.

To operate the tambourine she would place sea shells on the top surface and draw her fingers gently across the parchment on the underside causing the shells to flutter, tremble and change their positions. Kate was also known to 'sell the wind' to sailors at Penryn, through knotting ropes, each knot to be released when wind was needed.

This tambourine was acquired by the Witchcraft Research Centre in 1949. ⁠
⁠
Text from Julie House and The Museum of Witchcraft⁠