Object number
55/97
Description
This ivory splitter, with a wooden handle, was used to split straws into splints for making fine straw plait. Until the nineteenth century this task was performed with a sharp knife. The point of the splitter was thrust down the straw pipe and the cutters separated it into equal sized splints. It is believed that this splitter was used by Mrs Trebble, a shepherd's wife, of Belchamp Saint Paul, Essex.
Physical description
1 straw splitter: wood; ivory
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1849-12-31
Production period
Nineteenth century, first half
Object name
Material
Associated subject
