White cotton sunbonnet with blue floral design
Date made: late 19th century
Maker: unknown
Description: This object is a sunbonnet, the distinctive traditional headgear of the Manx countrywoman in the 19th century and earlier. It belonged to Mrs Quirk of Colby.
It is made of white cotton with a blue floral design.
The sunbonnet was a very practical garment, which protected the face of the wearer from the heat of the sun whilst working in the fields in summer. It was equally useful in winter, in keeping the wind and rain out of the face. In very bad weather it would be worn with a shawl, which could be drawn up over the head for added protection. It reflects the fact that much agricultural work before the introduction of machinery into farming was done by women, who would often farm crofts or smallholdings whilst their husbands were away fishing.
Materials: textile
Object name: sunbonnet
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2008-0088