Mat Creaser Item Number: A3519 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bird shaped wooden mat creaser with a groove running lengthwise on the ventral surface. Carved from medium brown wood that has darkened around the tail and wing region, where it would have been gripped when used. Circular wood grain visible on sides of bird. The head of the bird has two small holes to represent eyes. They have been darkened with a resin, which has fallen out of the right eye leaving a hollow socket.
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
Narrative
This piece was originally recorded as being from a shop in Duncan; however later it was noted as possibly being from Squamish?
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- Received from Unknown (Unknown)
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish
- Received from
- Unknown (Unknown)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 3