Wabanaki peaked hat, ca. 1820
Item 108786 info
Boston Children's Museum
Wabanaki women have worn these conical wool hats with ribbon applique and beadwork as part of their daily dress for centuries. In 2021, the hats are mainly worn during special occasions.
Wabanaki people have always designed and decorated their clothing in beautiful and innovative ways. Materials such as red and blue wool gained during treaty negotiations and distributed annually (called annuity cloth) and glass beads and ribbons purchased at trading posts saved time from processing skins, stones, and shells. The introduction of brightly colored silk ribbons and standard-sized glass beads from Europe led to a flourishing of innovation in Wabanaki adornment and fashion.
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