Winged bonnet

NameBonnet

CultureSwiss

DateEarly 20th century

Place madeAppenzell Canton, Switzerland, Europe

MediumCotton, silk, linen, cotton, metal

Dimensions22 1/16 × 22 1/16 × 3 15/16 in. (56 × 56 × 10 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Joanne Polster, A.2014.58.1

Object numberA.2014.58.1

ProvenanceJoanne Polster acquired this Swiss headdress (“schlappe”) and cap as a gift from Swiss expats who returned often to Switzerland.

DescriptionEdged in ecru lace, the bonnet fits snuggly on head with white cotton skull cap loosely laced in back. This cap is covered by a second cap of black velvet lined in red cotton and edged with black ribbon serving as cover. At ear area on both sides are two large oval rosettes of a lacquered black cotton. From the rosettes a black wire armature extends covered (upper layer) in stiffened, fluted white net and (lower layer) stiffened, fluted black net with subtle chevron pattern. The layers are held together with straight pins. When fanned out the net resembles butterfly wings.