Kneeling Pad - Hemp, circa 1900

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Summary:: Hemp kneeling pad, circa 1900, used in a mental health hospital in Victoria Australia. Poosibly used by staff and patients whilst scrubbing floors. Reportedly made by prisoners at Pentridge.
Description:: Kneeling pad made of a coarse plaited fabric, (hemp), tufted on the top of the square mat section. Around practically 3 sides of this mat is a plaited panel which is rather more orangey in colour than the brown of the pad section. This panel is about 22 rows in depth, although it has now sagged quite a bit. The outer plait is extended and tied at the top to form a loop. The texture is very harsh.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	22.00 cm (Height), 21.00 cm (Width), 29.00 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	hospitals, psychiatric services, prisons
Themes this item is part of:	Psychiatric Services Collection, Medicine in Society Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	MEDICINE & HEALTH
Secondary Classification:	Mental Health - Institutional Life
Tertiary Classification:	cleaning
Place & Date Made:	Pentridge Prison, Coburg, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900
Place & Date Used:	Victoria, Australia, circa 1900
References:	Card