Mat creaser
Maker: Nuu-chah-nulth
Medium:Wood
Geography: Clo-oose, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Date: 19th-early 20th century
Dimensions:5.9 x 14.5 x 1.5 cm
Object number: 939.31.37
Credit Line: George T. Emmons Collection
Gallery Location:Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art & culture
DescriptionMat creasers are used in the sewing of
cattail mats. The leaves of the cattail are
threaded onto a long, triangular-shaped
needle. The grooved edge of the creaser is
used to crimp the leaves around the needle.
The crimping forms an opening in the leaves
through which a cord is pulled as the needle
is withdrawn. The leaves are sewn together
in this manner at regular intervals along the
mat’s length.
