Jacket

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The intricate combination of materials and handwork techniques in this jacket make for a visually interesting garment. This level of decoration epitomizes the care and importance given to costume in traditional cultures. An interesting aspect of this garment is the direct interpretation of military uniform braid, resembling that of the Hussars originating in Hungary in the 15th century. Stewart Culin (1858-1929) was the Brooklyn Museum's first Curator of Ethnology from 1903 to 1929. Culin conducted collecting expeditions, traveling throughout the United States and the world. His goals for these trips were not just to expand the Museum's holdings, but to also provide context for these objects within their cultures. In addition to choosing rare and high-quality pieces, Culin sought artifacts with interesting provenance as well.

The Costume Institute

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Costume Institute's collection of more than thirty-three thousand objects represents seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.

Metropolitan Museum of Art