Period: 1847-1853 Dimensions:
H. 14.75in
W. 7.25in
Hoods of this rectangular shape are described by English explorers in the area of Nova Scotia as early as the seventeenth century. The form reached a peak of ornamentation during the first half of the nineteenth century and passed out of fashion by 1875.
Believed to have been given as a presentation piece to James Bruce, the 8th Earl of Elgin and the 12th Earl of Kincardine; Governor-General of Canada, during his residency 1847-1853; purchased from the 11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Earl of Kincardine in 1990 This is a superb example of the fine ribbon appliqué style that developed among the Mi’kmaq in the early 19th century. Hoods of this type became fashionable among the Maritimes tribes by the end of the 18th century. Silk ribbon rosettes with dyed ostrich feathers, such as those on this hood, seem to have been imported for the fur trade, as they also appear on Manitoba Metis artifacts of the same period.
Provenance: (1) James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardine (1811-1863). Dunfermline, Scotland. Believed to have been given as a presentation piece to Lord Elgin, 8th Earl of Elgin and the 12th Earl of Kincardine, Governor-General of Canada, 1846-1853, during his residency in Canada between 1847 and 1853.; (2) Descended in Elgin family to the 11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Earl of Kincardine. Sale handled by Richard L. Feigen, St. James's, London, England; (3) Eugene V. Thaw - 19 November 1990.
