Object number
63/173
Description
This eel trap, used for catching eels, was possibly made by a man called Jenkins in Gloucestershire – it is probably not a Norfolk eel trap. It was given to the Museum by the Rural Industries Bureau. This type of eel trap was baited, weighted so that it would sink, and tethered to the bank of a river. It is made of split hazel and is an elongated bottle shape with a funnel, and with a cork bung fitted to the neck to make a non-return valve. It is weighted with flints sewn into the funnel. Other names for the eel trap include ‘eel pot’ in Norfolk, ‘putcher’ in Gloucestershire, ‘grig’ in Sussex, the Fens, Oxfordshire and the River Severn, and ‘hive’ in Cambridgeshire.
Physical description
1 eel trap: hazel, flint stone
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: Trap (eel, basketwork) // Acc. No.: 63/173 // Group: FISHING. FRESHWATER // Neg. no.: 60/4723–4 // Place of origin: Not known. Possibly made by a man named Jenkins. // Period in use: Unknown. // DESCRIPTION // Materials: Split hazel. A flint weight. // Shape and construction: An elongated bottle the base turning inwards to become a funnel with the stakes sharpened. There is a flint weight sewn to one side of the funnel, & was probably a second one. 9 stakes. No border, edge over sewn. A non-return valve created by bunging the neck. // Dimensions: Length 42” Diam. neck: 3” Diam. funnel end: 4 1/2” // Use: For catching eels. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes: Unusual shape. Probably not Norfolk.'
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
- Length 1080 mm
- Diameter 180 mm
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_4723.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\Baskets\63_173_cob.tif - High resolution image
