Bell-shaped needle pouch (kab-cho) decorated with chevrons inset with the remains of red pigment and metallic thread. Three broad flat thongs pull out a central pouch, which sandwiches a thick piece of woollen textile into which needles can be stuck. The pouch can be shut by pulling on a suspension chord, possibly of red nylon. The cord is decorated with a washer and a knot in green electrical wire.
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 an ingenious way of keeping needles safe whilst on the move.
