A simple antique French coiffe or head dress! This wonderful tall hat would have been draped with lace as a part of a woman's attire at a folk wedding or special ceremony in the southwest coastal area of France. Most likely this cap originated from between the Ile de Re and Oleron in France. This coiffe may have been part of what is known as a Grand Bonnet des Charentes, Capot de Marandaise OR a Grisette de Niort, but there is such a huge variety of antique coiffe styles in France (especially in this region) that it can be hard to say for sure! This quilted cap likely dates to the late 18th century! The fabric that this cap is made of is a lovely, aged glazed white cotton and was hand quilted. The outer fabric is crinkly chintz, so it has a gentle sheen. You can see the hand work of this quilting on the interior of the cap. The coiffe was quilted with a thick cotton batting and has a stiff and sturdy feel. This hat would likely have been made by the woman who wore it. Every detail of this simple hat was likely hand made. The brim looks as though it was patched on one one side long ago.
Headdresses or coiffes as they are known in French, were important to the dress of women all over Europe throughout the centuries. In times past in France and other nations of the world, the hair of women was considered to be the den of demons so it was believed a good, pious woman should cover her hair. The look of the headdress however, was dictated by style and occasionally by tradition. These traditional European headdresses come in many shapes and sizes some more elegant and others more utilitarian, but they are all unique in their own way! A wonderful, rare collectors item!
~*~ ( B48 )
MEASUREMENTS : Laid flat this headdress measures about 11 inches wide at the widest point and 5 inches at the narrowest section. When worn the measurement from the back center of the head to the front center of the brim would measure about 15.5 inches. ~
CONDITION : This hat is in as found, not freshly laundered condition. I do not recommend washing this piece. Please use the zoom feature to view condition closely. This cap has many tiny speckled age marks, a few tiny rust stains and light wear. The crinkly chintz fabric on the exterior has a very open weave ad has torn or come loose in a few spots. This simple cap has so much timeworn integrity and charm, and for it's age the condition is quite remarkable! Condition reflected in the price!
6/20/18