Pelerine (Collar or Cape)
Unknown Artist
Experts argue about collars of this type: Did a Great Lakes native artist make it, using as a model an English lady's pelerine and exotic feathers obtained through trade? Or was the collar created by a European feather worker, perhaps after seeing the spectacular feather capes of native Hawaiian royals who visited England in 1824? There are arguments for both views-and for further research.
Credit: Gift of the Textile Art Alliance in honor of their 60th Anniversary
c. 1830-1860
Cotton, peacock feathers, guinea fowl feathers?, gadwalls duck feathers
1996.14
Image and text: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2023
Where you'll find this
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Permanent collection