Woollen Caps Worn by Dutch Whalers

anonymous, c. 1650 - c. 1800

In 1980 archaeologists investigated the graves of 185 Dutchmen – whale hunters, and workers at whale oil refineries – who had died on or near Spitsbergen in the 17th century. Many skeletons were still wearing their knitted woollen head coverings. These caps were highly personal. The men were bundled up against the severe cold and could only be recognized by the colours and patterns of their caps. Presumably this is the reason why the caps went with them into their graves.

  • Artwork typemuts
  • Object numberNG-2006-110-10
  • Dimensionscircumference 58 cm x height 23 cm

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Woollen Caps Worn by Dutch Whalers

  • Object type

  • Object number

    NG-2006-110-10

  • Description

    Muts, donkerblauw en grof gebreid, met omgeslagen rand met gekleurde horizontale strepen: rood, lichtbruin en blauw. Rondgebreid in tricot-steek, bij de rand is de procedure omgedraaid en zitten de tricot-steken aan de binnenkant.

Creation

  • Creation

    anonymous

  • Dating

    c. 1650 - c. 1800

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Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    circumference 58 cm x height 23 cm

This work is about

  • Person

  • Subject

  • Place

  • Period

    • 1980
    • 1600 - 1800

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

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

Persistent URL

Questions?

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