Mat Creaser Item Number: A7601 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A bilaterally symmetrical, boat-shaped wooden creaser with two horn-like protrusions on each of its opposing sides. The centre of the object is a two dimensional dome-shape. Two incised lines border the top edge on both faces of the object. A groove is present in the ventral surface. The wood is brown in colour and has yellow brown wear marks. The incised lines are a darker brown colour. A paper label is affixed to one side, and written in ink is "For Grooving Mats".
History Of Use
This object was used for creasing cat-tail or tule reed mats in combination with a mat needle. The mat needle would be inserted through the leaves of the cat-tail, and the grooved portion of the mat creaser would be run across the surface to create a crease in the mat that would prevent it from splitting later when it was sewn with cordage.
Cultural Context
domestic
Iconographic Meaning
The general outline of this mat creaser bears a similar appearance to others in the collection which depict zoomorphic forms, such as bird heads. This mat creaser may be a stylized representation of a similar zoomorphic form.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada during 1881
- Collected in Port Douglas, British Columbia, Canada during 1881
- Owned by William Rowe
- Owned by Mary Holt before 1918
- Owned by Margaret Ades before August 17, 1961
- Received from Margaret Ades (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on August 17, 1961
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish ?
- Previous Owner
- William Rowe, Mary Holt and Margaret Ades
- Received from
- Margaret Ades (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Port Douglas, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1881
- Collection Date
- during 1881
- Ownership Date
- before 1918 and before August 17, 1961
- Acquisition Date
- on August 17, 1961
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 3
- Accession Number
- 0055/0043