Steek van ambtskostuum van burgemeester Hoytema c. 1700 - 1900

This bicorne hat, or ‘steek’ in Dutch, was part of the official costume of Mayor Hoytema. While the exact date is unknown, such formal attire was common in the 19th century, particularly in the Netherlands. This object speaks volumes about the social hierarchy of the time. The hat, with its opulent decoration, represents the authority and status of the mayor within the community. The visual codes of the hat are clear: its shape and ornamentation associate the wearer with power and prestige. The black color with the orange rosette most likely signals allegiance to the House of Orange-Nassau and the Dutch monarchy. To truly understand this object, we need to delve into the history of Dutch civic governance and the role of the mayor within it. Archival records, local histories, and studies of Dutch political symbolism can provide invaluable insights into the social and institutional context that shaped the meaning of this hat. After all, the significance of such an object is always contingent on its time and place.