Object number
68/18
Creator
Description
A bodkin is a tool used by basketmakers for a variety of jobs, from opening out the weave to insert a rod or handle, to putting stakes in at the bottom, and therefore come in a many different sizes according to the work. This is a shell bodkin made by Dryad and Co. in 1967. It is a long, curved, gouge-shaped tool with a steel point and a wooden handle. It was used in chair caning or skeinwork to open up the weaving on a difficult edge to insert the cane.
Physical description
1 shell bodkin; wood and metal (steel); good condition
Label Text
BODKIN<br>A bodkin is a tool used by basket makers for a variety of jobs, from opening out the weave to insert a rod or handle, to putting stakes in at the bottom, and therefore come in a many different sizes according to the work. This is a shell bodkin made by Dryad and Co. in 1967. It was used in chair caning or skeinwork to open up the weaving on a difficult edge to insert the cane.<br><br>MERL 68/18
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: BODKIN (shell) Dryad // Acc. No.: 68/18 // Group: CRAFT. WOOD: CHAIRS // Neg. no.: 60/10728 // Place of origin: Leicester // Period in use: 1968 // DESCRIPTION // Materials: metal/brass and steel, wood // Maker: Dryad. // Shape and construction: A long curved pointed & very narrow gouge of steel with a brass ferrule and wooden handle. // Dimensions: Steel L. [length] 2 3/4” Handle & ferrule. 4 1/4” // Use: Only in chair caning or skeining. On a difficult edge the bodkin is put into the weaving & the cane runs up the groove & out. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes: // Inscription: Dryad. method: stamped.'
Production place
Leicester
Production date
1967 - 1967
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\Baskets\68_18_cob.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_10728.tif - High resolution image
