Description

Cattail mats were used for many purposes: as lining for plank houses in winter, as roof elements over summer pole structures, as sleeping mats, and as mats for canoes. The cattail leaves are threaded onto the long, triangular shaped needle. The leaves are crimped around the needle forming an opening through which a cord is pulled as the needle is withdrawn.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.