Map of North America (Handkerchief) 1811

This is a printed cotton handkerchief, made by R. Gray, depicting a map of North America. Mapping is never a neutral exercise; it reflects and reinforces power. This handkerchief likely dates from the late 18th or early 19th century, a period of intense colonial competition in North America. Note how the map emphasizes the territories claimed by European powers, while Indigenous lands and perspectives are largely absent. The very act of printing this map on a handkerchief speaks to its intended audience: not policymakers or explorers, but ordinary people. What did it mean to carry such an image? Was it a symbol of national pride, a tool for understanding the world, or simply a fashionable accessory? Understanding this handkerchief requires historical research, delving into period documents, maps, and trade records. The meaning of art is always intertwined with its social and institutional context.