Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1840-1850
MediumHand-stitched braided or woven straw, possibly with wire in the brim edge
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 10 x 8 x 11 1/2in. (25.4 x 20.3 x 29.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1963.16.31
DescriptionWoman's straw bonnet with alternating stripes of light and dark brown straw. The pattern for the woven pieces, with straw warps, is nine passes with natural-colored straw; one light brown, one natural, one light brown; nine passes with natural straw; one dark brown, one natural, one dark brown; repeat. The bonnet brim is extremely wide, allowing the crown to sit well back on the head. The bonnet is straight from the crown to the edge of the brim. The brim is 9 1/8 inches wide at the center top and approximately 21 inches long, ending in a dropped curve to the curtain (or "bavolet") at the back. The brim edge may be stiffened with a wire. It is edged with a braid of straw. The brim piece continues around the back of the head, attached together with a 2 1/2 inch seam below the crown. The crown itself is a circle or oval, approximately five inches in diameter. This seam is covered with a straw braid. A narrow curtain is stitched to the bottom of the brim at the back. It is covered along the outer edge with a continuation of the braid around the brim. The inner seam is covered with the same kind of braid used at the crown. The striped pattern runs diagonally and horizontally on the brim (perhaps due to misshaping) and vertically on both the crown piece and curtain.
NotesHistorical Note: Although the object file does not indicate that this item originated in the Enfield Shaker Community, it was the only Shaker community in Connecticut. The Connecticut Historical Society would not have acquired this piece if it were not from Connecticut; thus, it must be from the Enfield Shaker Community. (Malley 3/2/2004)Status
Not on view
