Manufactured by
Unidentified
Subject of
Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944
Date
1920s
Medium
cotton (textile), metal, tassel
Dimensions
H x W (flat): 30 5/16 × 46 7/8 in. (77 × 119 cm)
Description
A cotton, rose colored hip-length cape used by a Ku Klux Klan member. The robe is completely lined with white cotton fabric. The lining is attached to the outer cape by snap fasteners all along the front edges and around the bottom edge. Two snaps sewn on the outer left back permits the left front of the cape to be pulled back and fastened, allowing the lining to show. The cape has a large flat collar. Underneath the collar are metal cape fasteners around the neck of the cape. A rose colored cord is attached to the neckline of the cape at both lapels. The cord has fringed 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
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
capes (outerwear)
Topic
Associations and institutions
Clothing and dress
Fraternal organizations
U.S. History, 1919-1933
White supremacy movements
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Anonymous Gift
Object number
2013.231.6
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56fbdd400-a916-489e-a5ab-0fc84797c61d

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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