A weekly chore in the household would be to beat carpets on the washing line or fence.
During the 19th century, when houses were heated by coal and wood, the house would get very dusty, add to that the fact that the streets of the cities and lanes of the countryside were not asphalted as they are today, there was a lot of dust around. 
 
This is  wicker carpet beater made by twisting lengths of wicker together tightly, to form a large circular surface with which to beat the rug or carpet. We have more of these available in a very similar design.
 
Condition is good with no splits or breaks.
 
Dimensions: 77cm x 29cm