Object Image

Black velvet cap with net veil and rhinestone pin from Mae's Millinery Shop

Unknown Maker

Black velour cap (a) and rhinestone pin (b) designed by Mae Reeves. The cap is formed from black velour with indentations over the ears on each side. A black open net veil is sewn across the top front third of the cap so that it can be moved to hang over the cap to the back or in front of the face. Two (2) long tails of net hang down from each side and can be tied under the wearer's chin. A heart made from a stiff material covered in black velour is attached at the end of each tie. Stamped in tan ink on the interior center of the cap is the text "GENUINE / IMPORTED / VELOUR". A white fabric label is adhered at the interior center back with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA".

The pin (b) is attached at the proper right side of the cap over the net veiling. It is made from clear rhinestones and silver toned metal shaped as a knot of ribbons tied at the center. It has a safety pinback closure on the reverse.

Credit: Gift of Donna Limerick

1941-1994
Cap: velour and net
21.6 x 22.9 x 21.0 cm
2016.48.26ab
Image and text © National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2020