Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1860-1880
MediumHand-stitched silks with cardboard, loosely woven and stiffened cotton, wire
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width x depth): 8 1/2 x 7 3/4 x 8 3/4in. (21.6 x 19.7 x 22.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionWoman's bonnet of dark brown silk, probably worn by a member of the Shaker religious community. The brim, 4 3/4 inches deep at the center top, is constructed of very stiff cardboard covered smoothly with brown silk. The brim has wire along the edge. The corners or ends of the brim are slightly rounded. The brim is lined with a lightweight cream-colored silk. The crown is 3 3/4 inches deep and measures aproximately five inches in diameter at the back. The silk covering the crown is gathered around a reed or wire before being stitched to the crown. The gathering is concentrated towards the top of the bonnet. The silk covering is pleated at the bottom edge of the crown. A curtain of silk, lined with loosely-woven and stiffened cotton, is decorated with two lines of folds. It is gathered and stitched to the base of the crown and part of the brim. A folded strip of silk covers the seam and creates a bow at the center back. The crown is shaped with layers of loosely woven cotton, which have been heavily stiffened. There is no lining to the crown.
Object number1963.16.19
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)Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
