For our podcast we looked into interpretations of the hog scraper. This tool would have been used to scrape the skinned hide of a pig, removing the outer layer along with the hair. According to the NC Museum of History files, this scraper came from the late 19th century. If from Piedmont or coastal North Carolina, chances are the tool was made by a skilled black tradesmen. Looking at scrapers from the period, most looked nothing like our large, elaborate tool. Common scrapers were just round bottoms with candlestick tops. This meant that our scraper was specially made, from a later period or just for show. 
There are many ways to interpret such an object. With a higher quality 3D scan a descent printed three dimensional version could be used for handling. Kids could hold it, even practice running it down a thick felt cloth (or even better a hog hide donated by a local farmer). Children could be educated in the butchering process, learn more about what kind of tools were available to North Carolina hog farmers, and feel the laborious nature of 19th century work.

For some older adults the tool would just be a reminder of past lives, while younger adults would be almost as new to the scraper as children. Again, a well made printed copy or a high resolution 3D scan would be very useful in better understanding and working with the scraper. However, for a superior 3D printed object a weight would probably need to be added for heft.

leroland