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
Long, slightly bowed, wooden mat needle. Flat on one side and triangular on the other. One end flares out to a diamond shaped point. The other end has a small thin triangular hole cut out.
Materials
