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of the bust; a long hooded cape outdoors in cold weather; indoors, a close-
fitting netcap covering the hair completely; outdoors, a deep sunbonnet over
the cap. In summer the bonnet was made of woven straw or palm leaf with
ties in front and a little silk cape in back of a soft, bright color. In winter,
the bonnet was of padded cloth.
Fancy articles of any kind were not be used or pur chased--such as
silver or gold pencils, silver thimbles, gold or silver watches, brass knobs,
3-bladed knives, marbled tinware, gay silk handkerchiefs, checked handker-
chiefs made by the "world," lace for cap borders, flowery painted clocks or
furniture, fancy shaped sleighs or carriages.
Likewise, no painting or sculpture were allowed. The nearest thing
to art were their "spirit drawings." These were scroll-like traceries in ink
or pencil, which came from their imagination and inspiration, outward manis-
festations of "inward spiritual ecstacies," a pictorial recording of the Shaker
spiritual adventure, and not representative of any school of native folk art,
They were mainly produced in the period from 1837 to 1859. Small drawings
on cards or small pieces of paper were sometimes given as gifts or rewards,
but never circulated or displayed. Larger pictures were apparently never
bestowed as permanent possessions. Since it was contrary to the Order to
hang anything on a wall, they were never signed and were done quietly so few
Believers knew they existed. But a few artists became known and respected
in the community, sometimes being released from regular chores and given
a quiet room to work.