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Knockaloe Internment Camp Turkish internee beadwork snake

Date made: 1918

Description: Beadwork snake made by a Turkish internee at Knockaloe Civilian Internment Camp during First World War. Gold translucent beads on back of snake, white opaque beads on belly, also white and blue opaque beads in zig-zag design down back of snake. Black opaque beads used for lettering on belly and back of snake 'Turkish Prisoners 1918.' 'Souvenir 1918.' Blue bead letter 'A' on throat of snake, also blue tongue.

Background:
During the First World War (1914-1918) the Isle of Man was used as an internment base for civilian ‘enemy aliens’. They were held in two camps, a requisitioned holiday camp in Douglas and a purpose built camp located at Knockaloe near Peel on the west coast of the Island. These held at their peaks over 4,000 and 23,000 men in some cases for nearly five years between opening in 1914 and final closure in 1919. Over 30,000 men passed through Knockaloe between 1914 and 1917, more than the population of Douglas.

Measurements: overall: 170 cm

Materials: glass, textile

Object name: beadwork

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 2002-0216

Subject tags : #WW1INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS

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