Woollen Caps Worn by Dutch Whalers c. 1650 - 1700
anonymous
rippled sketch texture
circular oval feature
shading to add clarity
rounded shape
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product mock up
curved surface
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This anonymous, 17th-century woolen cap, likely worn by a Dutch whaler, is a fine example of utilitarian textile art. The cap, with its distinctive striped pattern and rounded shape, would have provided protection from the harsh elements encountered on long whaling voyages. The cap’s circumference is 61 cm and its height is 30 cm. The faded colors and worn texture suggest a life spent at sea.
Comments
In 1980 archaeologists investigated the graves of 185 Dutchmen – whale hunters, and workers at whale oil refineries – who had died on or near Spitsbergen in the 17th century. Many skeletons were still wearing their knitted woollen head coverings. These caps were highly personal. The men were bundled up against the severe cold and could only be recognized by the colours and patterns of their caps. Presumably this is the reason why the caps went with them into their graves.
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