Woman's Cape
Clothing MakerMade by
Shakers
(American)
Dateabout 1875-1900
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched wool, silk, and cotton, with a brass hook and eye
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length, including hood x hem circumference): 64 1/2 x 118 1/2in. (163.8 x 301cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1988.185.0
DescriptionWoman's blue superfine wool hooded cape. The cape is constructed in the traditional eighteenth-century style of a cardinal cloak: the body is pleated into the neckline, and a short cape covers the shoulders. The fullness of the hood is stitched into fanned-out pleats at the center back. The cape is ankle-length; it has no armholes. The center front opening fastens with a large brass hook and eye at the base of the neck. The hood is lined with blue-gray silk; the area of pleating at the base of the neck is interlined with blue and white woven cotton plaid under the silk lining. The edges of the front opening are lined with strips of self-fabric. The seams of the cape are machine sewn; the cut edges are very finely hand-stitched to the underside of the wool so that the stitches do not show on the front. Originally, there were ribbon ties at the front neckline, but these have been torn off.
Status
Not on view
