LONG, TIGHTLY PLEATED, DOUBLE-LAYER, SILK SKIRT AND A BLACK, ACCORDIAN PLEATED, CREPE LIKE HOOD OR VEIL. THE TIGHT- FITTING SKIRT HAS TWO DRAW STRINGS AROUND THE WAIST. THE OUTER MATERIAL IS AN IRRIDESCENT PINK-GOLD AND THE INNER IS A BROWN, BLUE AND WHITE PRINT. THE BLACK CREPE-LIKE HOOD IS VERY MUCH DETERIORATED, WITH MANY TEARS AND RAGGED EDGES. HAS ORIGINAL PEALE TAG ON VEIL. PUBLICATION: FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUME SEE THE "NARRATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES EXPLORING EXPEDITION," 1838-1842, VOL. I, PP. 244-245. EXHIBITED MAGNIFICENT VOYAGERS, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 1985-86. THE SKIRT WAS EXHIBITED SITES "MAGNIFICENT VOYAGERS," 1987-89.
FROM CARD: "[Skirt] LOAN: SITES JAN 9 1987. MAGNIFICENT VOYAGERS."
Peale catalogue identifies # 443 and 444 as "[Spanish:] Saya [skirt, petticoat] e [probably "y" = "and"] Manta [cloak, or probably meant more in the sense of mantilla - veil or shawl worn over head and shoulders]. The ordinary walking dress worn by the ladies of Lima, Peru; it completely disguises the wearer - one eye only being visible."
On p. 21 of National Institute for the Promotion of Science, Washington, D.C. A Popular Catalogue of the Extraordinary Curiosities In the National Institute, Arranged In the Building Belonging to the Patent Office. Washington: A. Hunter, 1855, Peale #s 443 to 444 are described as "The Saya, a silk petticoat with vertical plaits - contains about 30 yards of silk or stuff, and costs as high as 60 dollars. It is drawn in closely at the bottom, so as to impede the walk of the wearer, and limit the steps to 10 inches at a time. It is elastic, and sits so closely to the shape, that the excellence of the wearer's figure is not concealed. The manto is a kind of mantilla, commonly of black silk; it is brought over the head and fastened at the waist. The hand is seen, with one eye peeping forth, and intrigues, often causing numerous awkward situations, occur. Husbands often accost their wives with gallant intentions, and pay them the compliments they have long languished for at home."
