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Object #     1-11182
Object name     Basketry Flat Bag
Culture of Origin     Chinook
Materials     Cattail, String, Grass
Techniques     Twined, Braided, Sewn
Dimensions     H: 20 in, W: 26 in
Exhibit Label    

Cattail leaves are used to make large mats as well as smaller bags, using the same technique. The leaves are aligned in parallel rows and sewn together with a long needle. When the wedge-shaped needle is still in the leaves, a mat creaser (a hand-sized tool with a groove on the bottom that matches the shape of the needle) is pressed along the needle to crimp the leaves before the sewing thread (in this case cotton string) is pulled through. This prevents the thread from splitting out. The edges are finished with a braiding technique.

Source     Museum Expedition
Location     Bay Center, WA


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