Flax brake

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Flax brake

Entry/Object ID

1890.80.1

Description

Flax brake composed of a heavy horizontal base with four legs. The upper portion is attached to the base by large wooden pegs. The handle is attached to a heavy vertical board at the opposite end from the hinge. The top is composed of several boards mounted perpendicularly to the base.

Made/Created

Date made

1750 - 1850

Dimensions

Height

34-1/2 in

Width

11 in

Length

52 in

Material

oak, Maple

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

Flax brakes were used to separate the pulpy core of the flax plant from the surrounding fibers. The flax was draped over the base of the brake and struck sharply from above by the top set of boards, gradually shifting the flax along its length until all of the core and bark had broken.