Description:
Brown cotton pocket in brown plain-weave cotton with a brown satin-weave cotton belt strap; brown twill weave cotton shoulder straps; replacement white glass buttons; and a soapstone button. Before the late 19th century, pockets were not built into women's clothing in any standard way. Sometimes initialed, a woman’s pocket or workbag could showcase her fine skill with a needle even though it was usually out of sight. Pockets were worn over the shift (the basic linen undergarment) and under the petticoat, tied around the waist and accessible through specially positioned slits in the petticoat or gown skirt. The inclusion of a network of straps and the positioning of the pocket in the center of the abdomen made this example more ergonomic for its wearer. Pockets could contain such items as small personal items, sewing work-in-progress, scissors, pin-cushion, and small publications. By the early 19th century, bags or purses called reticules replaced pockets as fashionable accessories. Pockets continued to be used for more practical purposes around the home, often worn over work dresses. Unlike more elaborate pockets, this more utilitarian version is devoid of any embroidery. The dark cotton hid stains better and was easier to clean than one decorated or made in a lighter color.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+V.054F |
