Lot box belonging to the 'Groot Partie' fishing cooperative Neuendorf with wooden lots

• wood with brass lock
• circa 1880
• length: 14 cm

The inscription shows that the box belongs to the large fishing cooperative in Neuendorf, Hiddensee. It contains pieces of wood in a length of 2-3 cm with the names of their members' businesses scratched into the surface. They are used as lots, known as 'Kavel'.

Their emergence is precipitated by the introduction of large fish traps in the 1880s, which revolutionises fishing. A large number of fishing communities with cooperative structures already exist on Hiddensee. Several of these communities join together, forming associations known as 'Partien' in order to purchase the new catching devices and the substantial amount of materials they needed.

The equipment is cared for and repaired in the solid fish trap sheds. The cooperatives also meet there to discuss their work. Lots are drawn to assign communal tasks within the group. The 'Kavel' are used for this purpose. The results of the draw are noted assiduously on the beams of the roof in order to ensure that the work is shared fairly. Each member is required to complete a task three times; afterwards the beams are wiped clean. The procedure starts again from the beginning in the next draw.

Walter Hütteberg donates this box to the Heimatmuseum on the island of Hiddensee in 1967.