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Stunning 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 is either 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 or early 19th century! The fabric that this cap is made of is a lovely, aged white cotton and was hand quilted. You can see the hand work of this quilting on the interior of the cap. Charming details! The coiffe was quilted with a thick batting of wool and linen and has a stiff and sturdy feel. This hat would likely have been made by the woman who wore it. Every detail of this beautiful hat was likely hand made, and the design choices extremely personal. As you can see in the photos, there is some staining on this piece , but survived in good condition generally! ~
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!
~*~ ( 85C )

MEASUREMENTS : Laid flat this headdress measures about 7 inches deep by 11 inches from side to side ( so about a 22 inch circumference at the bottom

CONDITION : This hat is in as found, not freshly laundered condition. There are age mark stains on the chintz cotton