Object number
54/108
Exhibition
Description
A bodkin is a tool used by basketmakers for a variety of jobs and therefore come in a many different sizes according to the work. This is a large bodkin, used to open the weave or border of a basket when inserting a rod or handle, and used in hamper maker for coarse work such as inserting stakes in the bottom of the hamper. It consists of a long tapering steel spike with a wooden handle.
Physical description
1 bodkin: wood, steel
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: BODKIN // Acc. No.: 54/108 // Group: CRAFT. WOOD BASKETS // Neg. no.: 35/2560 // Place of origin: Alton. Hants. [Hampshire] // Period in use: Pre-1950. // DESCRIPTION // Materials: Wooden handle. Steel ferrule & point. // Shape and construction: Large size. Long tapering point. // Dimensions: 12.7” total length. 9.2” point. 3/4” thick at the handle end. // Use: to open the weave of a basket, or the border, when inserting a rod or handle bow. For hamper making or coarse work. Probably for inserting stakes in the bottom. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes:'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\Baskets\54_108_cob.tif - High resolution image
