The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
662.2008.1
Anorak (green cotton)
16/12/2008
Hermione Cooper
16/12/2008
Green cotton cagoule. Drawstring bottom and two button pockets at the front. Four tapes sewn on neck and webbed loop at the back of neck. Drawstring cuffs.
cotton, plastic
From neck 60(l) x 65(w)cms. Sleeve 55(l) cms.
1
green
Anorak (annoraaq) comes from the Greenland Innuit people and refers to an item of upper clothing which is pulled over the head. It would originally have been made from animal skins and we assume it was pulled over the head i.e. with no front opening to retain warmth.
The ‘Parkha’ is very similar and also appears to have Innuit origins whilst the ‘cagoule’ comes from the french, meaning a hood. In a mountaineering context it is a modernised anorak often made from waterproof material but still with a hood.
The other, more recent connotation of anorak, of course refers to a rather obsessive, geeky person, who may or may not, be wearing an anorak.
Meanwhile, we have a basic, non geeky anorak dating from the 1960’s when just about every outdoor person was wearing one though not necessarily being one.
No maker’s name so possibly homemade, with quirky little rope cords at the cuffs to seal in the heat.
Well worn and well loved here in our collection.
16/12/2008
28/04/2009
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
28/04/2009