Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BR978.8.1 |
Object Name |
Bonnet, Poke |
Other Name |
Bonnet, Neapolitan |
Description |
A white, cotton, poke bonnet with a soft crown. Fabric is embroidered with four thin vertical stripes. The bonnet has a string tie at the back and two fabric ribbons that tie under the chin. Three separate bands of cording are sewn into the brim for stiffening. |
Year Range from |
1860 |
Year Range to |
1880 |
Dimensions |
H-40 W-35 cm |
History |
Bonnets worn by women during the 19th century were practical as they protected from the sun or wind. Bonnets worn indoors would protect women from dust or flour during cleaning and cooking activities. This bonnet is known as a 'poke' or 'Neapolitan' bonnet and is characterized by its large brim that 'pokes beyond a person's face' and its small crown. It was designed in such a way that women's hair could be easily contained within the hat it would hide the wearer's face from the side. The bonnet was tied underneath the chin with ties and often decorated with ruffles. Often constructed in various styles and with different types of colour fabrics. Poke bonnets were first mentioned in an article published by the British daily, The Times, back in 1807 and worn by women of both upper and middle classes during the 1830s. References: Fashion History Timeline. Poke Bonnet. Corrine Fuentes. September 12th, 2018 https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/poke-bonnet/ The History of the Bonnet. Mentalitch. No author, no date. https://mentalitch.com/the-history-of-the-bonnet/ Handbook of English Costume in the 19th Century by C. Willet, published by Cunnington & Phillis Cunnington |