Object number
65/207
Exhibition
Description
Four-way cleave for splitting willow rods into four to prepare skeins. Used by the foreman at Osmond & Osmond, Waterlooville, Hampshire.
This is a four-way cleave, a basketmaking tool for splitting willow rods into four to prepare skeins. It consists of a rounded handle made of horn, an unusual material for a cleave, shaped to fit the palm of the hand. This is extended into four fins which are sharpened, but not to a cutting edge. The cleave is held in the right hand while the left guides the rod. This one was used by the foreman at Osmond and Osmond, a firm of basket and leather goods makers in Waterlooville, Hampshire.
Physical description
cleave: horn
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: CLEAVE (4-way) // Acc. No.: 65/207 // Group: CRAFTS. WOOD. BASKETS // Neg. no.: 60/6369 // Place of origin: Used: Hants.[Hampshire] – Waterlooville // Period in use: Unknown* // DESCRIPTION // Materials: HORN // User: Mr. Brabrook Owners: Osmund & Osmund // Shape and construction: A rounded handle fits the palm & extends into 4 fins sharpened but not to a cutting edge. // Dimensions: 3 1/2” long. 1 3/8” diameter at handle end. // Use: For splitting dry willow rods into 4 down the length to make skeins. The cleave is held in the right hand while the left guides the rod. The first process in skein-making. // Dialect names: // Distribution: Was in general use, though horn is an unusual material. // Additional notes: * Used by Mr. Brabrook, recently retired aged 85, having been foreman to Osmund & Osmund, Waterlooville, Hants. [Hampshire]'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_6369.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\Baskets\65_207_cob.tif - High resolution image
