Used for the manual tamping down of carpet threads during the weaving process on a hand loom. Heavy iron with a wood handle and knotted leather cord. 19th century, possibly older. Afghanistan.
Collected by my father Bernard Heaphy in the 1980's on one his firs trips to Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has always rated this as one of the oldest and best pieces he ever brought home, and it was a part of his personal collection for several decades.
Measurements: length 26 cm, width 6.5 cm, height 10 cm