CONTAINER, ETUI

c. 1960 - 1969
Overview

Made from reindeer bone this unique etui is a container for holding sewing needles from the Samer culture (also known as Lapps) in the Arctic Circle in Norther Norway. Threaded through the hollow bone is a twisted reindeer leather cord. Around the central section, red woollen fabric is wrapped to hold the precious needles and pins. At each end of the cord is a circular section of bone. The top circle to attach to a belt, the bottom circle to hold needle band in place.

On either side of the etui is scrimshaw etching – one side a man whose costume and headgear identify him from the Samer community from Kautokeino. On the other side is a reindeer, an animal central to the life of the people.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-78-2023.36
Material
Width
25 mm
Height or length
110 mm
Last modified
Wednesday, 13 August, 2025
Completeness
72
Embroiderers' Guild of WA Textile Museum

Embroiderers' Guild of WA Textile Museum

Organisation details
View collection

Reindeer bone etui
Reindeer bone etui
Scrimshaw detail on etui
Scrimshaw detail on etui
Scrimshaw detail on etui
Scrimshaw detail on etui
Scrimshaw on etui
Scrimshaw on etui

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