Tyne Valley Antiques

Description

Beautiful 1919 Turkish Prisoner of War Snake, measuring 135cm in length.

WW1 Turkish Prisoner of War Hand Sewn Beaded Snake (d.1914)

Beadwork snakes were made by Ottoman prisoners of war (POW) in British POW camps, usually in Egypt. Except for fatigue duties, prisoners were generally not required to work and so spent their time making craft items, along with playing sport, games or music helped them pass the time. The prisoners also made these items as a way of making some money to buy extra rations and supplies, such as coffee or tobacco to barter with other prisoners or as gifts for friends or family.

This 135cm long snake has a vibrant turquoise back, white beaded underbelly with "1919" picked out in black beads, white beads for teeth, as well as a single colour for its eyes.