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joan1058

What is this rattan object?

Joan1058
12 years ago

Can anyone identify the object pictured here?

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc488/Joan1058/RattanGizmoinBayWindow3.jpg

It is approximately three feet long from its curved handle to the bottom of the ten-inch-diameter wheel. The wheel turns. We thought at first that it might be used for measuring carpet, but there are no figures on the wheel. Plus, its length would require that most adults bend down to keep the wheel in contact with the carpet. The object probably dates from the 1950s or 1960s, but it could be older.

I'll put another photo, a closeup, in the Optional Link URL field. I would be most grateful for any ideas that people might have. Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Comments (8)

  • jemdandy
    12 years ago

    I don't have a clue. Without the handle, it would be a really big dream catcher.

  • lkgrace345
    12 years ago

    It looks very similar to a medicine wheel or "sacred hoop" of an American Plains Indian. Though the personal fetish items would have been removed or else it was never finished.
    The "handle" was made so that it could be suspended somewhere in the home.

    Here is a link that might be useful:

  • lkgrace345
    12 years ago

    Wow...sorry about that link. Here's the one I was trying to post.

    Here is a link that might be useful: medicine wheel2

  • lazy_gardens
    12 years ago

    Maybe the wheel off one of those cheap rattan wheelbarrows?

  • Mikk
    12 years ago

    To me, it really looks like a measuring wheel. It wouldn't necessarily have to have markings on it. You could count revolutions by where the bindings are located. As for the length of it, back in the day, we weren't growing people quite as tall as we do now.

    That being said, with a 10 inch diameter, that would put the circumference around 31.5 inches. The closest unit of measure I'm aware of to that is a hasta at 33 inches so don't know what good 31.5 inches would do ya. :-)

    Maybe a farm implement. Roll it along in the dirt to make shallow seed troughs. ;-)

    Quite the conversation piece.

  • lindac
    12 years ago

    I think it's a decorative doo-dad...like those rattan balls or the ones covered with seeds that people put in bowls.
    Imagine 100 years from now someone coming across one of those styrofoam balls covered with feathers or seeds and wondering what use they had?

    Here is a link that might be useful: useless rattan balls

  • jemdandy
    12 years ago

    A child's push toy? The ratan would have been easy on indoor flooring compared to an metal wheeled toy - and quieter too.

    Maybe its a part from a larger assemblege.

  • Joan1058
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Many thanks to everyone who weighed in on my query. For some reason, I never was notified that my post had been answered, so I'm only finding everyone's contributions now, two months later! I have a strong feeling that lkgrace345 has hit the nail on the head with her July 16 message re the Native American medicine wheel. But it's great to have so many different suggestions. Thanks again!