Costume
c. 1889
Printed cotton and metal
Gift of Stephen de Pietri
Object number88.125.1
Flag costumes were commonly worn to parades and pageants during the nineteenth century and were intended to promote national identity and patriotism. The flags on this costume contain 39 stars, most likely in anticipation of the Dakota Territory attaining statehood, but the territory was split into two states. Thus, this fabric lost its original purpose—yet remains a unique, stylized design.
DescriptionDress: Liberty Costume full length wrapper in red, white and blue printed cotton with American flag design; gold metal American eagle buttons; round neck, deep shoulder yoke, long gathered sleeve with underarm gussetsCollections
Exhibitions