Woollen caps worn by Dutch whalers

anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1800

In 1980 archaeologists investigated the graves of 185 Dutchmen – whale hunters and workmen of the train oil refineries – who had died on or near Spitsbergen during the 17th century. The skeletons were still wearing their knitted woollen caps. Each cap was individualized; the men recognized one another only by the pattern of stripes on the caps. The men were bundled up so tightly against the fierce cold that only their eyes were visible.

  • Artwork typemuts
  • Object numberNG-2006-110-12
  • Dimensionswidth 35 cm x height 30 cm x depth 29.5 cm, circumference 48 cm x height 24 cm

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Woollen caps worn by Dutch whalers

  • Object type

  • Object number

    NG-2006-110-12

  • Description

    Muts, grof gebreid van groene wol, met oorkleppen en een vijf centimeter brede omgeslagen rand met donkerblauwe en lichtbruine horizontale strepen en donkerblauwe rechthoekige blokken.

Creation

  • Creation

    anonymous

  • Dating

    c. 1600 - c. 1800

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Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    • width 35 cm x height 30 cm x depth 29.5 cm
    • circumference 48 cm x height 24 cm

This work is about

  • Person

  • Subject

  • Place

  • Period

    • 1600 - 1800
    • 1980

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

  • Ad van Liempt, 'In depot : hoofddeksels', Oog 3 (2009) nr. 5, p. 92-93.

Persistent URL

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