Woollen Caps Worn by Dutch Whalers c. 1650 - 1700

Here we see knitted woollen caps, once worn by Dutch whalers. The stripes, circling and encompassing, evoke the endless horizons of the sea. They are a kind of protective amulet. Consider the many pointed hats that have appeared throughout history. The 'Pileus cornutus' worn by ancient priests and deities from the Near East, or the ceremonial hats donned by shamans. This design re-emerges in various guises, each time imbued with a sense of spiritual or social significance. The hat, reminiscent of a protective helmet, connects to ancient ideas of safeguarding the head, the seat of reason. The concentric lines ripple outward, creating a psychological sense of enclosure and protection. Its presence, unassuming as it may seem, hints at the deep-seated human desire for safety and stability. This unassuming object thus transcends its function as a mere head covering. It echoes through the corridors of time, a testament to the enduring power of symbols and the cyclical nature of human expression.