Article of the Week - number thirty three - a Polish cape

This cape comes from the central Polish area, Lowicz, where the use of traditional costume survived well into the 20th Century. 

Prior to modern systems for heating houses, these capes were worn by women. Made out of wool, the capes are reversible and protect, not only against cold, but also rain. The one we have in the collection dates from the middle of the 20th Century, and is in good condition for its age. It is orange with stripes of green, pink and a very dark blue-almost-purple.