Macassar wood & oil, antimacassars

Check out this "pretty wooden hook from Graydog" and learn a little crochet history here.
This is made of macassar wood, which comes from Indonesia. In the 1800's men used macassar oil to slick back their hair. Women crocheted doily-like items to put on the chair backs and arms to protect the upholstry. It was easier to clean the little crocheted items than it was to clean the chair. Or easier yet, toss out the soiled item and crochet more. Since their purpose was to protect the chair from macassar oil, these became knows as antimacassars. If you want to read more, check out "the Wikipedia entry"