Woman's Bonnet

This mourning bonnet was worn by Robyn Bowen Gardner Brown, who was born in 1817. Black crape covers the exterior of the bonnet while the interior is lined with cambric. The crape is folded and pinned into the base, possibly signifying a work still in progress.

Bonnets and hats were popular throughout the 19th century. In fashion articles from this time women’s bonnets were often put with other hats at this time. The major different between bonnets and hats was the placement of the bonnet on someone’s head. Bonnets are worn far in the back of the head and are held onto the head by ribbons that are tied underneath the chin.

References

Severa, Joan L. 1995. “The 1870s.” In Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and
Fashion, 1840-1900, 311–13. Kent: Kent State Univ. Press.