The word “key” can refer to many things. A spoken password, symbols on a map, answers to a test, and letters on a keyboard or typewriter can all be called keys. However, I am interested in the physical keys that can be used to open mechanical locks.
Modern versions of these types of keys include some basic anatomy that allow them to open locks:
Figure 1: Basic Key Anatomy
Locks and keys have been in use for over 6000 years, and have gone through many different styles around the world, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, and Belgium. Some sources point to Theodorus of Samos, a Greek sculptor and architect from the 6th-century BC, as the inventor of the key, as well as ore smelting and casting. Women in Ancient Greece carried bronze temple keys on one shoulder, while early Roman keys were mostly used as a status symbol for those who had property to protect.
Figure 2: Ancient Greek Temple Key
Figure 3: Early Roman Key
Keys have also been used as symbols of many things. One example is the coat of arms of the Holy See of Rome. This emblem of the papacy used by the Catholic Church displays the Keys of Heaven, or Saint Peter’s keys, which refer to the metaphorical keys that open the gates of Heaven.
Figure 4: Holy See Coat of Arms
The goddess Hecate is also sometimes pictured holding a key. In the image below, it is in her left hand. Because of this, keys have, in some circles, come to represent witchcraft and Wiccan magick.
Figure 5: Wiccan Goddess Hecate with Key in Hand
Some people carry their keys on a circle cotter or “split ring” commonly referred to as a keyring. Invented in the 19th century by Samuel Harrison, keyrings can be made of metal, leather, wood, rubber, or plastic.
Figure 6: A Modern Key on a Circle Cotter Keyring
Spring hook carabiners are also a popular option for carrying one’s keys, as they make it easy to remove and add keys. Often times, at least one of the keys on one such keyring will be a master key, also known as a skeleton key. This special key can open several different locks.
In addition to literally granting access, keys can be used as representational objects. By being a part of a collection, the item takes on a new life and meaning. In the past, wearing a keyring with many keys on it was a symbol of occupation and masculine status. A custodian, groundskeeper, hotel worker, delivery person, or stage manager might keep a set of keys that allow them access to many different areas. It also allows them to lock up at the end of the night, ensuring no one gets into someplace they shouldn’t be.
Figure 7: A Collection of Keys on a Caribener Worn on a Beltloop
With this in mind, many keys attached to metal ring or carabiner began to indicate independence for queer women, particularly in the rise of butch culture during the 1980s. Lesbians often wore these keyrings on a specific side to indicate sexual preference, and they became a shared language to signify sexuality, similarly to the communication of the hanky code used by gay men.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
Hi Sky! I had no idea about keyrings being used to represent sexuality. That is so creative! You had so many different takes on how keys are used and where which was so informative. I learned so much from this about something I thought was so simple. I had no idea how long keys have been used for! 6000 years is an unfathomable amount of time. This was so entertaining to read! Amazing work, Sky.
Hi Sky! You bring up so many unique points related to the history and origins of keys. The physical appearance of the key has evolved drastically with finer details. As an innovative society that prioritizes ease, accessibility, and efficiency, we have come a long way from how Roman keys were used as “a status symbol.” Today, we possess many keys to safeguard our cherished possessions. Keys do not solely belong to influential individuals. I did not know keys were a method of communication and expression in sending messages, especially within queer culture. Great work Sky!
Hi Sky! Wow this was such an amazing and interesting thing to read. I never really thought about all of the different meanings behind keys and how they can be beyond something we can physically hold in our hand. I love how you covered so many points in history to demonstrate the universality of keys and how they mean different things to different groups of people or places. I found it especially interesting how keys were specifically used in queer culture to send a specific message as opposed to simply unlocking something. Great job!!
Hi Sky! I really loved all the detail you added to this post and how you offered a wide array of information on keys by acknowledging how they show up in history, art, and everyday use. I especially enjoyed the part where you showed how possessing keys could be a masculine trait. I really never considered it masculine but after thinking about it, if someone asked me to picture a person holding multiple keys, I would probably picture a man. That fact helped me further appreciate how queer women reclaimed that sense of visual status. Awesome presentation and post overall:)
Hi Sky, I loved the visuals you provided to show the history of keys, and how they are used as symbols in many different ways, none of which I knew about before reading your post!
Hi Sky I really enjoyed reading your post I have never viewed keys in this way before. Excellent description and pictures!