c̓q̓ʷemət̕ᶿtən (Mat Needle)

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.

Cattail-mat needle. Long, bowed, wooden mat needle; flat on one side, rounded on the other. Has one pointed end; other end has the eye, and is flattened and shaped.