Kerchief

1888

Place madeUnited States, North America

Cotton

Overall: 22 1/2 x 24 3/4 in. ( 57.2 x 62.9 cm )

Gift of Donald A. Shelley

1943.395

In her book the "American Bandanna," Hillary Weiss writes about the Harrison & Morton kerchief: "The [import] tarriff was debated so intensely in 1888 that its slogans and symbolism dominated that year's campaign bandannas. The Republican eagle screamed 'Protection' for its eaglets nesting precariously like America's infant industries. 'Let the eagle scream,' counted the democrats, who had offered a 'clean sweep' of import taxes."

DescriptionCotton copperplate-printed kerchief with an American bald eagle mother protecting her three eaglets; chain-link border with stars representing each state; printed in grey, black, and red on a white ground; outer red border.

Markingsprinted: in center: "1888/1892/ HARRISON & MORTON./ PROTECTION/ CIVIL SERVICE/ REFORM./ REDUCTION/ OF SURPLUS."

ClassificationsTEXTILES