This beadwork snake was made by an Ottoman prisoner of war (POW) in a British POW camp probably in Egypt. Except for fatigue duties, prisoners were generally not required to work. Making craft items, along with playing sport, games or music helped them pass the time. The prisoners also made these items as a way of making some extra money to buy extra rations and supplies, such as coffee or tobacco; to barter with other prisoners; or as gifts for friends or family. This beaded snake was given to Bury Art Museum in 1977 by a local Prestwich man.
The snake is made up of green, blue and white coloured beads and has the words Turkish Prisoner of War on the inside of its belly on the outer side it has a zigzag shape in blue and white beads.