Pocket

Because most American women’s clothing in the 18th century lacked fixed pockets, detachable pockets such as these were tied around the waist and worn either over a dress or under an overskirt. Decorated in a variety of patterns, including the combination of the flame and diamond-within-diamond designs seen here, they were used to carry a variety of items, from keys and papers to sewing implements and tools. They were worn both singly and in pairs. However, it is extremely unusual for a pair such as this to survive intact.