Bonnet
Original OwnerOriginally owned by a member of the
Danielson family
(American)
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1850-1855
MediumHand-stitched of braided straw or grass, with white horsehair, silk ribbon, fabric flowers, silk, and net as lining
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 9 x 7 3/4 x 8 1/2in. (22.9 x 19.7 x 21.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Adah Danielson
Object number1961.11.5
DescriptionBonnet of strips made of three-ply braids of straw woven with white horsehair. This technique is an interesting complex weave using the braided straw, horsehair, and thread. The bonnet is decorated with wide silk ribbon of green and rust (perhaps a rose color originally?), with fabric flowers of faded pink and green leaves tucked under the brim at the center top. The deep brim is 4 1/2 inches wide at the center top, shaped to closely encircle the face. The ends are several inches longer than the line at the back of the neck, and they end in points that curve back to join the bottom of the crown. The brim is lined with an ombre silk fabric that is pink or peach in color along the outer edge, changing to a pale green along the inner edge. This wide (5 3/8 inches) fabric strip completely lines the brim. The brim has an interlining of an open-woven brown fabric. At the center top, along the inner edge, is a spray of fabric flowers approximately nine inches long. These small flowers on stems of wrapped wire appear to have been peach or pink in color originally. They are stitched onto a bed of pale green leaves. The brim is also decorated with a wide (4 7/8 inches) ribbon folded at the brim points and draped over the intersection between the brim and crown. Two large bow loops decorate the top. The edges of the ribbon are 3/4-inch-wide, green, satin-woven strips, while the center section is a faille of a deep peach or dusty-rose color. The crown of the bonnet is difficult to discern from the brim; the shape of the bonnet creates a straight line from the edge to the corner of the crown along the top, which is approximately 8 1/2 inches long. This makes the crown four inches deep. The convex back is circular in shape, 4 1/2 inches in diameter. A curtain (or "bavolet") is made by gathering the ribbon and stitching it to the bottom of the crown and along the back curve of the brim ends. The sides of the crown are lined with a figured net, embroiderd with small dots and circles with sprays. Wire is sewn all around the edge for strength and shaping. The bright green silk ribbon ties are 7/8 inches wide and approximately 10 1/2 inches long, cut straight across the ends.
Status
Not on view
