Hope Chest
Listen to the text of the page
The hope chest was very much a woman’s object. Together with the bride, it would “move out” to the new family, where it often remained for many years and even for future generations. The chest played an important role during the new wife’s move to her husband – it was carried to be visible and was often open to ensure the whole community could see the intricately embroidered bedding, kitchen accessories and clothes that were the woman’s dowry. If the bride’s dowry was not special enough to show off, the chest was closed.