Mat Needle Item Number: A2294 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden mat needle with long narrow shaft, circular cross section, and one pointed end. The pointed end slightly widens and then narrows, creating a slight diamond shape. A large eye is cut through the other end. File marks visible on surface below eye hole. The wood is a yellow brown colour.
History Of Use
Mat needles are used for sewing together, and crimping, mats made from cat-tail and tule reeds.
Cultural Context
domestic; plant technology
Specific Techniques
According to Dr. Michael Kew, Coast Salish mat needles were normally made from the wood of a plant called ocean spray or ironwood. They were made by splitting the vertical stalk to create two needles, flat on one side and rounded on the other.
Item History
- Made in Westholme, British Columbia, Canada before 1950
- Owned by Mrs. Dan Johnston
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. Dan Johnston and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Westholme, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1950
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 3
- Accession Number
- 0081/0033 e