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1912.48.1

Black paper cap worn by Jewish people when saying grace at mealtimes.

1912.48.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Black paper cap worn by Jewish people when saying grace at mealtimes.
Cultural groups
English
Person
Maker Unknown Maker
Field collector Edward Bagnall Poulton
PRM source Edward Bagnall Poulton
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1912
Date collected
By 1912
Acquisition information
Donated: 11/1912
Materials and processes
Material Paper Plant
Dimensions
Diameter 95 mm folded
Object numbers
Accession number: 1912.48.1
Research and responses

Probably Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937), second baron and zoologist (see DNB). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1911. [AP 21/09/2006]

Associated publications
Published in the 'Inventory of Judaica and Hebraica in Oxford Colleges and Museums' on the website of the Oxford Jewish Heritage Commitee at https://www.oxfordjewishheritage.co.uk/projects/judaica-and-relevant-hebraica-in-oxford/89-inventory-of-judaica-and-hebraica (2009); '2. ABlack paper skull cap. Accession number: 1912.48.1  Black paper skullcap. Originally catalogued at the Museum as: "Black paper cap worn by Jews during the saying of grace at mealtimes, so that the head may be covered. This one was used at the complimentary dinner to the Hon. Walter Rothschild in November 1912, one being served to each person present." It is folded, diameter 95 mm. It is the sort of skullcap with "sides", not just the simple hemisphere. (Walter Rothschild is probably Lionel Walter Rothschild, second baronet and zoologist. Poulton, the donor, was Professor of Zoology at Oxford University and, like Rothschild, a Fellow of the Royal Society, so it is plausible that Poulton and Rothchild were friends and associates.) Given to the Museum by Edward Bagnall Poulton in 1912.' [JC 14 11 2019]

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