First Impressions
Piskeys are all about Cornwall – you can find them in front gardens, souvenir shops, even near some churches. They, of course, are part of the folklore but taken quite seriously. As such, it would be impossible to ignore them, as they turn up wherever you go.
- Known as Pigskeys in SE Cornwall.
- Likely, long dead locals.
- Brightly dressed, small, pointy ears, floppy cap.
- Their size has been reducing over the millennia. Their size is relative to mutual respect for one another’s ways of being and mutual beliefs. This includes humans, especially humans.
They are working, work independently (sometimes at the same site), do not like to be interrupted or thanked for their work. Jobs include guarding wells, barrows (graveyards), and games involving gold and other precious metals. - Stealthy and secretive in their work, clever in defence methods.
They are known to ask farmers to take them in – some are involved in caring for land and livestock. - ‘Being Piskey-led’ is a euphemism for getting drawn to and then lost on unrecognisable moors, fields, and forests.
- Some suggest turning your pockets inside out for protection. Others suggest honeycomb or other sweet gifts1A note regarding offerings: there is a disagreement amongst contemporary Folx about the accountability of leaving offerings. Leaving objects or any evidence of human presence (clotties, votives, incense, crystals, etc) is considered littering. If you prefer your ancient sites pure to their prehistory then leaving offerings tampers with its integrity as an ancient archaeological site. Of course, if you are open to leaving ongoing evidence that humans have come to pay their respects through ongoing offerings (implying pilgrimage and ritual), then you may be less inclined to respect the former position..
Unsolicited AI rendering of Cornish Pigskey that appeared in the Routes and P(l)aces anarchive.
Pigskey Tales
A 17th-century missionary called Kirk disappeared when he revealed the secrets of his pointy-eared neighbours. His downfall was falling asleep on a work-site. To repent for his error, Kirk was forced to become the personal council to fairy leadership. He no longer able to travel freely in or between worlds2The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies (1692).
On a recent visit to St. Cuby’s, a minister and his wife hoped for peaceful, quiet, Christian prayer. On arrival, the pigskeys harassed them. After an altercation, the Christians did get their preferred form of well-time in the end. Perhaps the pigkeys were tired or worn out. Perhaps their job is to disrupt and nothing else. Perhaps the Christians overpowered them. Perhaps this kind of conflict and confrontation is an indigenous form of neighbourly banter.
The reputation of the pigkeys locals at nearby St. Non’s is less combative. The well has no oratory for Christians and therefore attracts a different kind of visitor. At St. Non’s there is a tradition of leaving offerings. Another possible reason is the relative quietude is that the local pigskies are busy working at the nearby citadel in Yearls Wood. The grassy, tree-lined ramparts are filled with clover. This makes it an excellent, sheltered grazing field for bollocks. St. Non took over as patron in the 6th century, having sought shelter at the adjacent hermatage. This was due to an unwanted pregnancy, a result of a rape. Likely, due to this, the governing Catholic church did not canonise her. Perhaps the current prefect of the well assumes visitors are more open-minded, with multi-faith leanings, respectful of others ways of knowing and being in the world.
Some Advice
When arriving at locations known or sensed as pigskey-positive, arriving with your pockets open wouldn’t hurt. This signals an open mind, a live and let live attitude3Or, perhaps, it shows you believe someone on the internet who is guiding you towards a problematic encounter, even innocently.. Do slow down and be present to the moment before entering the space. This requires tuning into all your senses. Assume the pigskey is doing their job, so why get in their way? It might be a day of moving bullocks, for example. So it would make sense to meander in with the respectful confidence of someone who belongs and knows what they are doing without arrogance or entitlement. In other words, do whatever you need to do, which is none of their business really as theirs is none of yours. When you are done, leisurely roll out. Get on with your day, leave the pigskeys be.
Interacting with the pigskeys is an act of mutual respect. Modelling accountable behaviour will cause the least disruption. Bear in mind, though, parading around or pretending to be anyone else but yourself may come across as disingenuous and untrustworthy. If you are successful in your interaction, overall relations will improve. Unless you can care less. If this is the case you can expect ongoing confrontation and conflict.
Waterfall near Tywadreath with Pigskey activity.
Footnotes
- 1A note regarding offerings: there is a disagreement amongst contemporary folx about the accountability of leaving offerings. Leaving objects or any evidence of human presence (clotties, votives, incense, crystals, etc) is considered littering. If you prefer your ancient sites pure to their prehistory then leaving offerings tampers with its integrity as an ancient archaeological site. Of course, if you are open to leaving ongoing evidence that humans have come to pay their respects through ongoing offerings (implying pilgrimage and ritual), then you may be less inclined to respect the former position.
- 2
- 3Or, perhaps, it shows you believe someone on the internet who is guiding you towards a problematic encounter, even innocently.
