84/7
A plaited straw mat with a zig-zag effect pattern. It has a hole cut out of the centre, and a cord has been machine stitched around the edges on the underside to prevent fraying. Its purpose is unknown, althought it has been suggested that it may have been placed around strawberry plants to protect the fruit from the soil. The mat was found in an outhouse.
Physical description
1 mat; straw; fair condition
Archival history
Visiting researcher note, Tim Johnson (basketmaker), 20 June 2014 – The proper term for the zigzag effect is twill. This mat is made using a 2-2 twill (over 2, under 2). The stitching has been done by machine, which suggests that a lot of these mats were made. The mat is probably not made of straw. The materials and construction are the same as for baskets 64/162 and 64/164.MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – ‘Recorder: JMB // Date: 11.5.84 // Description: A plaited straw mat with a hole cut out of the centre. It has a piece of cord stitched round the edges and centre to help prevent fraying. // Dimensions: Approx: 35 cm x 35 cm. // Diameter of hole 10–11 cm. // Associated information: This mat was one of a pile of similar items found in an outhouse. // See correspondence. // References: …'Letter, L. Walrond, Stroud District (Cowle) Museum to MERL, 17 January 1984 – ‘Straw Mat. // The enclosed mat is one of a pile of similar items found in an outhouse. The mat appears to be folded to three thicknesses and with a cut out hole. It would appear to have been square but got distorted with age. // Various ideas have been put forward, but we would welcome your identification, date and place of origin. There is no need to return the mat as more are available.’