c̓q̓ʷemət̕ᶿtən (Mat Needle)
About this object
History of use
Mat needles are used for sewing together, and crimping, mats made from cat-tail and tule reeds.
Cultural context
domestic; plant technology
Specific techniques
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.
Physical description
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 flared, flattened and shaped.
Materials
Date Made
C. 1870-1890
Date Acquired
18 Nov 1998
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
The Tom & Frances Richardson CollectionMore...
Measurements
Overall: 95.8 cm x 1.6 cm x .6 cm
Object Number
Nbz849