Pair of Hand Cards, circa 1800
THF188584 / Pair of Hand Cards, circa 1800
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Artifact Overview
Before wool is spun into yarn, the fibers are untangled and aligned, making it easier to produce a smooth, consistent yarn. In this process, called carding, clean wool fleece is passed between small, bent wire teeth to align the fibers. Hand cards, like this pair, were used in 18th and 19th century American homes to card wool prior to spinning. Younger children were often given this necessary, but monotonous, task.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Hand card
Date Made
circa 1800
Place of Creation
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Home Arts
Object ID
36.343.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Leather
Color
Brown
Dimensions
Height: 10 in
Width: 9 in
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