They are little wooden bobbins from Japan that are used to hold the gold thread for couching as you work. They are square on the ends so that they do not roll off of your work.

You can see some here-

http://www.jecstore.com/Koma---Cherry-(pair).php

At Pennsic I asked Miguel if he could make these, he said yes, and now I have a pair and he has something new for his shop! :-)

Gotta keep the Crack flowing!