Mens hat from Tibet
Object No. 2006/21/6
This traditional fur-trimmed Tibetan hat is from a collection of personal and ceremonial objects from Tibet, Nepal, Fiji and southern Africa that was assembled over many years of travelling by the donor and her husband. The design is typical of headwear worn by both Tibetan men and women in that it is made of a double layer of felt, has four flaps, fur trimming and a wide band of silk brocade around the base and rows of gold braid on the crown. These hats are intended for wear in all seasons of weather with the flaps turned up or down according to the temperature. Hats of such design formed an integral part of the traditional Tibetan wardrobe and reflect the range of fabrics and materials available through the cloth trade in Tibet at the time of production. The brocade and two types of gold braid used to ornament this hat were probably imported from China.
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Summary
Object Statement
Hat, mens, fur / felt / textile, maker unknown, Tibet, c. 1960
Physical Description
Hat, mens, fur / brocade / braid trim, maker unknown, Tibet, c. 1960 A mens winter hat with large flaps designed to cover the ears on each side and smaller flaps at front and back. The body of the hat and the flaps are made from black felt and lined with very dark navy felt; the layers are decoratively machine quilted together. A broad band of yellow-gold brocade with a floral pattern in green, yellow, orange and pink encircles the hat, which is also ornamented with straight and ricrac gold braid. The four flaps are edged with soft animal fur, possibly rabbit or fox. The flaps of the hat would have been worn down in winter to protect ears from the cold. The flap to the back of the head could also be worn down to keep the neck warm. In warmer weather the flaps could be worn up. The flap to the back of the head could be worn down in summer to protect the neck from sunburn. This example of hat would have been worn mostly by Tibetan men, although evidence suggests that women also wore hats of similar design.
DIMENSIONS
Height
250 mm
Width
320 mm
Depth
320 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The design is typical of headwear worn by both Tibetan men and women in that it is made of a double layer of felt, has four flaps, a wide band of silk brocade around the base and rows of gold braid on the crown. Hats of such design formed an integral part of the traditional Tibetan wardrobe and reflect the range of fabrics and materials available through the cloth trade in Tibet at the time of production. The brocade and two types of gold braid used to ornament this hat were probably imported from China.
HISTORY
Notes
This fur-trimmed hat from Tibet is from a collection of personal and ceremonial objects from Tibet, Nepal, Fiji and southern Africa that was assembled over many years of travelling by the donor and her husband. The collection also includes an earring and carrying case, dagger, snuff horn, skull cup and travelling shrine from Tibet; wedding necklace and puppet from Nepal; sperm whale tooth neck ornament from Fiji; and two beaded ornaments from the Kalahari Bushmen of southern Africa.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Judy Sperling, 2006
Acquisition Date
25 January 2006
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