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2002.31.1

'Carmen Miranda' hat made from recycled drinks cans. The hat is in the shape of a turban on top of which is a platter of fruit including a pinapple, banana, grapes, oranges and cherries.

On display

2002.31.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
'Carmen Miranda' hat made from recycled drinks cans. The hat is in the shape of a turban on top of which is a platter of fruit including a pinapple, banana, grapes, oranges and cherries.
Long description
[supplied by donor] 'Val Hunt made this Carmen Miranda hat from drinks can metal. Textile qualities are interpreted by weaving, frilling, pleating and sewing the prepared cans. Intricate patterns and textures can be imprinted on the surface and the cans' graphics also add interesting character and history. Some of the metal was heat-treated to create subtle tonal colours, or left untreated to capture the vibrant conlour of the cans. All the pieces in the hat are 'userfriendly' with all the edges turned in or 'hemmed'. It is also very light and easy to wear. This it is constructed from drinks cans isn't blatantly obvious but its origins are subtly suggested.' [MdeA 12/9/2002]
Person
Maker Val Hunt
Field collector Unknown Collector
PRM source Val Hunt
Date / Period
Date made: 1999
Date collected
1999
Acquisition information
Donated: 11/02/2002
Materials and processes
Material Tin Metal, Material Aluminium Metal, Process Recycled
Dimensions
Height: max 445 mm approx
Object numbers
Accession number: 2002.31.1
Research and responses

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen_Miranda: Carmen Miranda (February 9, 1909 – August 5, 1955; birth name Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha, GCIH) was a Portuguese-Brazilian samba singer and motion picture star most active in the 1940s. ... Miranda’s Hollywood image was one of a generic Latinness that blurred the distinctions between Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico as well as between samba, tango and habanera. It was carefully stylized and outlandishly flamboyant. She was often shown wearing platform sandals and towering headdresses made of fruit, becoming famous as "the lady in the tutti-frutti hat." At only 5 feet tall (152 cm), these accoutrements made her appear almost larger-than-life on screen. [AP 03/10/2006]

Search terms: Clothing Headgear, Hat, Headgear, Head Ornament

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