19th Century Dutch Gilt Brass Oorijzer Netherlands Ear-Iron Headdress & Box
This Dutch Oorijzer headdress with ornamentation is from early to mid 19th century. 1850's.
The ornamentation attached to the sides are called 'stiften'.
The Oorijzer is a historic traditional piece of Women's clothing in the Netherlands.
The design for such headdresses started as a simple peasant type jewelry in the form of a wire,
used to secure fabric over the head in the Friesland area of the northern Netherlands.
It was worn over a bottom cap and a luxurious top cap or bonnet was fastened to it.
Over time, the ‘ear-iron’ grew into a showpiece. Decorated gold plates or curls protruded from the front of the oorijzers.
The Netherlands isolated location contributed to the development of the Oorijzer ,
shape and style of the ornaments were indicative of the wearers status,
their husband or son's profession, their locality, and even their religion.
It's purpose remained the same, to secure expensive lace caps from the gusts of sea winds.
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