Bead Snake, 1919

1998/2

Prisoners

This 3.21 metre-long beaded snake was made by a Turkish prisoner of war. Many Turkish prisoners took up crochet beading to break the monotony of captivity and raise money for extra rations like coffee or tobacco. The snakes proved to be popular souvenirs and this example was brought home by Light Horseman Alfred Gordon Weir.

Detection

The triangular and diamond patterns of this beaded snake are inspired by those found on nature’s deadliest snakes. Snake detection theory explores how these patterns could have helped to build the human brain. It is hypothesized that the danger posed by snakes caused primates to evolve complex visual systems to help identify threats.

Behaviour

The Turkish practice of making beaded snakes like this example can be explained in part by a local belief that a snake in a house will guard it from danger. This concept is grounded in the behaviour of some snakes that, when threatened, will defend their ground and fight.

Crochet

This beaded snake was made using crochet. Knitted fabrics can be traced as far back as the 11th century but the first evidence of crotchet only emerges in Europe during the 19th century. The craft’s exact origins remain unknown, but the needles are identical to those used in the older French tambour embroidery technique.

BeaD SNAKE, 1919 1998/2

Prisoners This 3.21 metre-long beaded snake was made by a Turkish prisoner of war. Many Turkish prisoners took up crochet beading to break the monotony of captivity and raise money for extra rations like coffee or tobacco. The snakes proved to be popular souvenirs and this example was brought home by Light Horseman Alfred Gordon Weir. Detection The triangular and diamond patterns of this beaded snake are inspired by those found on nature’s deadliest snakes. Snake detection theory explores how these patterns could have helped to build the human brain. It is hypothesized that the danger posed by snakes caused primates to evolve complex visual systems to help identify threats. Behaviour The Turkish practice of making beaded snakes like this example can be explained in part by a local belief that a snake in a house will guard it from danger. This concept is grounded in the behaviour of some snakes that, when threatened, will defend their ground and fight. Crochet This beaded snake was made using crochet. Knitted fabrics can be traced as far back as the 11th century but the first evidence of crotchet only emerges in Europe during the 19th century. The craft’s exact origins remain unknown, but the needles are identical to those used in the older French tambour embroidery technique.