Umbrella Swift

2005.5

An umbrella swift is a textile-working device utilized to hold a hank of yarn in place while it is being wound into a yarn ball. The umbrella swift is a common type of swift developed in the United States during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This particular umbrella swift is double-caged, with struts extending outward from two hub locations on the central rod in an accordion manner. The struts move toward the lattice-patterned ribs. This umbrella swift is likely composed of whale bone and ivory. The central rod is decorated with carved ivory, and features a cup-shaped finial ornament with red pigment inlay and abalone. The engraving and carving of bone or ivory is known as scrimshaw, an art form created by whalers and typically completed on shipboard. Scrimshaw can be found in practical items, such as this umbrella swift. In fact, sailors produced scrimshaw as gifts for loved ones back at home.

This featured artifact belonged to Elizabeth Hubert Malott, who resided in Kenilworth with her husband and three kids for many years. Malott devoted much of her life to philanthropic work. Malott likely acquired this umbrella swift through her recreational needlepointing. According to her daughters, Malott was an excellent seamstress.