  Suture thread. 
This is a package of braided tantalum thread/wire intended to be used for sewing people up.  Tantalum is used in body parts (see my skull plates above) because it's compatible with long-term exposure to human tissue.  I don't know if it is still used for sutures: These are quite old. 
Source: eBay seller artie324 
Contributor: Theodore Gray 
Acquired: 17 August, 2004 
Text Updated: 11 March, 2007 
Price: $5 
Size: 3" 
Purity: 99% 
Sample Group: Medical
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