These are Portuguese distaffs that were mainly used to hold the flax that was ready for spinning. The flax, in the old days was grades in three levels and only the very experienced woman would spin the finest. Children would learn how to spin with the coarser grade.
The distaffs were held in place either by being tucked in the belt of the apron or under the arm. They were often made of cane, and the flax was held in place by a strap.
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