Woman's Hat

This black velvet bonnet is decorated with a spray of feathers and covered wire at the top front. Interest also comes from the way the velvet has been folded over the bonnet's frame. Well worn, the accessory would have been held in place with velvet ribbons tied under the chin and a hatpin.

The bonnet was worn by Anna J. Sonderlund, wife of Anders Malmstead. During the Victorian era, black was worn frequently, especially during times of mourning. Women wore these bonnets with their hair tucked under it. Hair knotted high was a common style for women who wore bonnets. Many times, women had bangs that came out from under the bonnet that looked like fingers. A woman’s hair would never cover her eyes and also still exposed the forehead. As seen in other bonnets worn during the 1890s, black velvet and crushed ribbon were very stylish.