Hat, dance hat (ensemble)

Part of a Westminster Morris Men dance costume. A dark blue straw hat with its lid folded up at the sides. It has a yellow ribbon and a yellow and blue rosette on one side. In the interior there is a label with the size of the hat, and an inscription on the leather rim, indicating the hat as a "Genuine Panama".

The society commented, 'This costume represents a fascinating and enjoyable hobby involving artistic ability and plenty of exercise, with a strong social element. It also represents a continuing tradition of ritual dance, well known in medieval England, whose origins are lost in the mists of English history'.

The Westminster Morris Men was formed in 1952 and had 20 members in 2000.