Bark Shredder

Item number A2293 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Salish style thin, wooden shredder, rectangular in shape, consisting of a board with a central oval shaped cut forming a handle. Lower edge is slightly beveled and worn smooth through use. The handle consists of two pieces of wood nailed together. There are two holes in the body of the piece on one side, and one hole on the opposite side. Traces of a dark brown stain adhere in sections on one side only.

History Of Use

Shredders are used to soften or break up cedar bark fibres, prior to weaving. The bark is soaked in water beforehand, and some Coast Salish weavers also added seal or fish oil to make it softer. The bark that was shredded had to be thin, and so bark from a young tree was usually used. Afterwards it was ruffled between the fingers, or hands, to further soften it.