This cap was worn by mariners in the 17th century. Short pieces of yarn or “thrums” are worked back through the knit cap’s surface to create a dense shaggy texture. While at sea the spray and mist would freeze on the thrums and keep the mariner’s head warm and dry. These hats were knit for interpreters at the Plimoth-Patuxet Museum in Massachusetts and Maine’s First Ship–The Virginia.
