Model of a Flax Brake, circa 1900
Add to SetSummary
Producing linen yarn from the flax plant is a labor-intensive, time-consuming process. The hard outer coating of flax stems is removed by rotting, drying and breaking to extract the useable fibers within. A flax brake is the tool used to "break" or remove that outer coating. Bundles of flax stems are repeatedly pounded between the hinged upper and lower bars of the tool. This model represents one of the flax brake designs developed in America.
Producing linen yarn from the flax plant is a labor-intensive, time-consuming process. The hard outer coating of flax stems is removed by rotting, drying and breaking to extract the useable fibers within. A flax brake is the tool used to "break" or remove that outer coating. Bundles of flax stems are repeatedly pounded between the hinged upper and lower bars of the tool. This model represents one of the flax brake designs developed in America.
Artifact
Model (Representation)
Date Made
circa 1900
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.2402.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant Material)
Color
Brown
Dimensions
Height: 7 in
Width: 6.625 in
Length: 15.25 in
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