Sunday in the Art Room (SITAR)

 Welcome to

SITAR is about ANYTHING art. Your art, someone else's art, writing, photography, the art of cooking, the art of sewing and textiles. Sharing historical art, street art, a story about art. Do you have a question or need help with art? Write a blog post and link it up here. We will all try to help with it. My only rule is that if someone asks for critique it must be done with generosity and consideration. This is a place of learning, encouragement and inspiration. 
 

I was struggling on what I would share today, while working on this years witches hat.

It's no where near finished but I like the way it's coming along.

With so many different styles of witches hats that can be purchased or made these days to wear or use as decorations, I realized I didn't know how witches hats got started in the Americas.

Tall, black, conical hats, the style we all associate with witches were first brought to America in the 17th century by English settlers. In particular by Quaker women who faced intense religious persecution and suspicion from mainstream Puritans. (men) The Quaker women were viewed with distrust as they preached spiritual equality.  

16th century image.

Puritans, both men and women wore this style of hat, historically  known as capotains or steeple hats. They were standard, respectable fashion. 

The Quackers however, were a rival christian sect that the Puritans viewed as dangerous heretics. 

( There is a whole story on Puritan laws and women's dress.) I may write about that at some point.)

For now

In 1692 when the Salem Witch Trials erupted the target wasn't a specific garment, but rather marginalized women who did not conform to societal expectation. Such as the poor, the elderly, or women who inherited property independently.

I will say now that it wasn't just Quaker women who were fighting for equality, there were some Puritan women as well.  

The connection of the "witch costume" came later. By the 18th century the steeple hat was no longer in fashion. However, the cultural memory of those not-conforming persecuted women remained. When artist or printers wanted to draw a "witch" or social outcast, they illustrated them in outdated steeple hats to make them look strange, backward and sinister.  

Most of the images for 18th century art are licensable. So you can look them up on google if you like.

An engraving. 

I have left out a lot of witch history but wanted to give you an idea of how we got to witch hats for today. I find that women are obsessed with making them.

Here are a few. 

Pinterest and Tik Tok have many instructional videos on how to make a witch hat. Easy instructions from paper mache, to cardboard, to foam to crocheting, to sewing. 

 Here are a few from youtube. Once you have the basic pattern you can make any size, out of any material. 

 I hope you try making a witch hat.

That's it for now. 
 

I will be joining Gillena   

It's time to show me your art. 

Nicole