Name/Title
Flax brakeEntry/Object ID
1890.80.1Description
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.Context
This flax brake was photography by Charles Moody c. 1900 while it was on exhibit at the York Institute in the Sweetser Building (2021.24.175).Dimensions
Height
34-1/2 inWidth
11 inLength
52 inInterpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
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.
