Calash
Period1770 - 1790
Place MadePossibly New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, linen, reed
Dimensions12 in. (30.5 cm)
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934
Object number699
DescriptionA woman's collapsible bonnet known as a calash, of green silk, lined with openweave linen. six reed hoops run through casing channels, sewn to an attached ruffle at the neck. The front edge of the calash is trimmed with a shallow piped ruffle. A large green silk ribbon bow is sewn to the center back panel. The calash includes a portion of what appears to be the original neck tie ribbons, and a later green silk ribbon retainer loop.Curatorial RemarksA calash was popular for many decades, from the mid 18th century well into the 19th century. The construction of reed hoops allowed the wearer to avoid crushing elaborate hairstyles of the time period. The term "calash" derived from a type of carriage with a folding hood. This particular calash is in unusally good condition and retains a portion of its original neck ribbon. The additional loop of green silk, a replacement for the original, was used by the wearer to pull up the hood over the head and keep it in place while walking.NotesAlthough the owner and wearer of this calash is unknown, it is quite likely that it originated in New Jersey if not Monmouth County itself. Donor Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, an important early 20th century collector of Americana and longtime supporter of the Monmouth County Historical Association, amassed a number of local textiles and historic clothing from local antiques dealers. This calash may well have been worn by a Monmouth County woman during the latter part of the 18th century.
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