Created by

Unidentified

Used by

Kennedy, Stetson, American, 1916 - 2011

Subject of

Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944

Date

1970-2011

Medium

cotton, rayon, and plastic

Dimensions

H x W (Robe): 48 1/4 × 26 1/4 in. (122.6 × 66.7 cm)

H x W (Belt): 2 7/16 × 76 3/4 in. (6.2 × 194.9 cm)

Description

A Ku Klux Klan (KKK) robe (a) with belt (b), associated with 2011.144.2.2ab, a hood and mask with a liner, worn by the Night Hawk rank officers whose main role is to act as security at "klonvocations." The Night Hawk's robe is usually shorter so as to allow easier movement. This particular Night Hawk robe was owned by writer and human rights activist Stetson Kennedy, who infiltrated the KKK in the 1940s, exposing its secrets to authorities and the outside world. The navy blue cotton calf-length robe has has full length straight sleeves.The robe is collarless and has an attached cape that fully drapes over the front of the shoulders. There are five (5) black plastic snap fasteners sewn on to the center front button band from the collar to the waist. Over the proper right breast is a machine embroidered rayon patch of a white skull outlined in black with the letters [KKK] embroidered in red on the forehead of the skull. Over the proper left breast is a machine embroidered rayon patch of a white cross outlined in black against a red background with a “blood drop” positioned vertically in the center of the cross. The black lines on the patch are four K’s arranged to look like a cross. The design is typically referred to as the "Mystic Insignia of a Klansman" (MIOAK). The interior of the hem is reinforced with white, cotton tape. The robe is not lined.

The belt is made of the same plain, navy blue cotton fabric as the robe, and has been hemmed down the length of the belt and at both ends.

Statement

Objects depicting symbols of hate or related to organized hate groups may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate history and culture.

Place used

Florida, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Type

robes

Topic

American South

Associations and institutions

Clothing and dress

Fraternal organizations

Men

Social reform

U.S. History, 1933-1945

U.S. History, 1945-1953

U.S. History, 1953-1961

U.S. History, 1961-1969

U.S. History, 1969-2001

U.S. History, 2001-

White supremacy movements

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Sandra A. Parks, wife of Stetson Kennedy

Object number

2011.144.2.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f702fd0b-7e2a-4a13-a163-cdce5a6ec422