Man's Hat

HatterMade by Henry Manasseh (Native American)

Date1810-1851

MediumHand-woven wood splint

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x length): 5 1/8 x 10 1/2 x 11 1/8in. (13 x 26.7 x 28.3cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of George Churchill

Object number1851.12.0

DescriptionHand-woven woodsplint (probably ash), full-size top hat. The ribs radiate like spokes from the center of the top of the crown and are held in place by a narrow band of several weavers; the ribs bend down to form the sides of the crown and are solidly woven with the narrow weavers. The ribs then bend out to form the brim and are again solidly woven. The ribs are bent under and tucked into the weavers to finish the edge. The brim is shaped with a slight dip in the front. The crown is 4 3/4 inches high; the brim is 2 1/8 inches wide. The ribs are 7/8 inch wide, and the weavers are 1/8 inch wide.

NotesHistorical Note: At the time that this hat entered the Connecticut Historical Society collection, the Connecticut Historical Society Secretary wrote this notation in the donation record book: "A hat made of splints by Henry Manasseh, an Indian, while in Litchfield Jail, under sentence of death." (Hudson 8/27/2001)

Status

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