Mat Needle Item Number: A4367 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Mat needle with long narrow shaft, triangular cross section, and one pointed end. The pointed end widens briefly before narrowing to a point, creating a diamond shape. Large eye in opposite end is broken and edge of needle is also damaged at this end. Wood is a yellow brown colour.
Mat needles are used for sewing together, and crimping, mats made from cat-tail and tule reeds.
domestic; plant technology
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.