Record 180 from 1842

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Summary

This record provides information on the color preferences of Madras handkerchiefs amongst Creole women consumers in Haiti in the Caribbean and the trade of these textiles to Haiti via the United States.

Record Excerpt

The articles which draw oftenest upon the purse-strings of the Creole women are the handkerchiefs for the head. Of these the most costly is the Madras, which as its name imports is of East-India manufacture, and reaches Hayti usually through the United States, in which latter country it is seldom used, unless occasionally by gentle men as a cravat. The figure is a plaid of different sizes and colors ,principally bright yellow, green and red , of various shades. They cost the wearer from three to six dollars each. The Ventapollam, also from the other side of the Cape of Good Hope, is the next in value, and is the common head-dress of the better class of people.

Source: Life in Haiti by an American, The Kickerbroker, 1842

Item Metadata

Primary Textile Types: Handkerchief

Secondary Textile Types: Madras

Primary Subjects: No primary subjects available.

Secondary Subjects: No secondary subjects available.

Keywords: Textile Types, Colour--Textiles, Design, Commercial Value, Dress & Fashion

Circulation: Consumption

Source type: Primary Source: Printed - Other

Year: 1842

Reference: Life in Haiti by an American, The Kickerbroker, 1842

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