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
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.
Object number1851.12.0
InscribedHand-written in ink on the top of the crown:, "Made by an Indian in Litchfield Jail / Presented by George Churchill."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)On View
Not on view
