Object ID
1996.13.3
Object Name
Nightcap
Material
Cotton
Object Entities
Tomaras, Irene (owned by)
Access Points
Object Description
Lace cap to be worn over plain nightcap. Center is made up of a eight petaled-flower with eight points that extend in between each petal. Each point provides the outline of large circular portions of negative space about 3 inches in diameter. Underneath the negative spaces, there is a band of detailing that once again connects the negative portions.
Origin
The nightcap is a warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas or a nightshirt. They are similar to winter "beanies" worn in cold climates. They were common in northern Europe before central heating was available, when homes were cold at night.
Women's night caps usually consisted of a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head. Men's nightcaps were traditionally pointed, with a long top, usually accompanied by a small ball of some sort, which was used similar to a scarf. It kept the neck warm while not being so long that it could wrap around and become a choking hazard.
Through the 19th century nightcaps were often used by surgeons to secure bandages applied to wounds of the head.
In the Tyburn and Newgate days of the British judicial hanging history, the hood used to hide the prisoner’s final agonies was actually a nightcap supplied by the prisoner themselves, if they could afford it. When they had finished their prayers, the hangman simply pulled it down over their face. In some cases, women might choose a bonnet with a veil instead. From around 1850, a white linen hood was provided by the authorities as part of the execution process.
Nightcaps are not often worn in modern times, although they are easily obtained from a commonwealth men's clothing store which services the middle, upper-middle and owning classes. They are often featured in animation and other media as part of a character's pajamas.
Women's night caps usually consisted of a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head. Men's nightcaps were traditionally pointed, with a long top, usually accompanied by a small ball of some sort, which was used similar to a scarf. It kept the neck warm while not being so long that it could wrap around and become a choking hazard.
Through the 19th century nightcaps were often used by surgeons to secure bandages applied to wounds of the head.
In the Tyburn and Newgate days of the British judicial hanging history, the hood used to hide the prisoner’s final agonies was actually a nightcap supplied by the prisoner themselves, if they could afford it. When they had finished their prayers, the hangman simply pulled it down over their face. In some cases, women might choose a bonnet with a veil instead. From around 1850, a white linen hood was provided by the authorities as part of the execution process.
Nightcaps are not often worn in modern times, although they are easily obtained from a commonwealth men's clothing store which services the middle, upper-middle and owning classes. They are often featured in animation and other media as part of a character's pajamas.
Rights and Reproduction
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Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.
For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Nightcap, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/5746. Accessed 04/25/24.