Cap (Fertility)

Fertility cap of firmly twisted coarse mesh diamond mesh net in cream cotton. Embroidery is an all over pattern of flowers and leaves in cream yellow red and fawn, probably done with a tambour hook. Centre forehead has an insert of similar style worked on a much finer net. There is an edging of a woven braid on pink and navy on cream with a green and red cordlike edge. Framing the face is a narrow crocheted scalloped trim in cream and pink. There is a casing for a drawstring at the neck edge. "Worn at the wedding by the bride, also worn while reaping the dried corn in the winter when confined to the household. Importance of family on the land. Communal among the women. Perhaps used by woman who found it difficult to get pregnant. - Hungarian. S.E." Eastern Influence.