needle case

Needle pouch (kab-cho). Flared pouch with a pointed end in red leather, inset with red textile and glass. Six steel pins decorate one side. A wire loop allows a central core to be pulled out. The core is of leather and wool in which needles can be stuck. The pouch is closed by pulling on a leather suspension thong.

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
2013.215
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 233 mm x 36 mm x 20 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
leather; glass; iron; white metal; wool
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
World Gallery > Asia > Himalayas - nomads, food and home
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk