Object Description
A white, squared handkerchief from Rhodes, Greece. In one corner of the handkerchief a pink, yellow and blue butterfly is embroidered. Under the butterfly a curly blue line is embroidered. Above the butterfly, "Rhodes," is stitched into the handkerchief in blue.
Origin
Donated by Helen Costas. This handkerchief is from Rhodes, an island of Greece. Rhodes is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. Rhodes, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europ, is famous for the Colossus of Rhodeas. The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek Titan Helios that stood nearly one hundred feet tall before its destruction in the earthquake of 226 B.C.
The handkerchief has a butterfly on it from Rhodes' butterfly valley, Petroudras on the Western side of the island. During August, thousands of butterflies swarm the valley to reproduce. This handkerchief was probably a souviner.
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Citation
Handkerchief, November 16, 2001, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/5662. Accessed 07/20/26.