needle case

Needle pouch (kab-cho). Two bell shaped panels made of horn are joined with leather sides. A textile core can be pulled out. Its upper part opens to reveal an area of woollen textile and thread, in which needles can be stuck. The pouch is closed by pulling on the yak hair suspension cord.

Needle cases or 'kab-cho' are often carried by Tibetan nomads on their chatelaines. Needles are vital tools when it comes to repairing clothing or equipment, but they can be difficult to replace when away from permanent settlements and as we all know, they are very easy to loose. Kab-cho represent and ingenious way of keeping needles safe whilst on the move.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2013.221
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 335 mm x 50 mm x 35 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
horn; leather; textile
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
World Gallery > Asia > Himalayas - nomads, food and home
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Collection Information

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