Needle Item Number: Sf1023 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Long metal needle with a lenticular eye at one end and a flattened point at the other end. A cross section of the shaft is roughly circular. The shaft has a number of bumps and bows. The surface is only roughly finished with scrapes and dents visible to the naked eye. The surface is powdered with rust.

History Of Use

Long needles are used for putting the final rows of weft on warp faced textiles after the shed roll and heddle have been removed. This slow process is necessary for producing fabrics with 4 selvedges, the type produced by women on the ground loom. Some fabrics that were traditionally woven with 4 selvedges are now cut rather than laboriously finished with a needle, especially textiles made for sale.

Narrative

Family property belonging to Candelaria Cruz Machaca and her children. Originally purchased in Puno, date unknown.

Cultural Context

weaving