Summary
Cream moleskin webbed petticoat used to restrict leg movement of agitated and violent patients at a mental health hospital in Victoria, Australia, circa 1910-1930. Made circa 1900-1930.
Physical Description
Webbed petticoat of cream moleskin. Webbing is a triangular, stitched section, sewn together back and front from hem (ankle-length) to crotch, thus hobbling wearer. Has straight skirt, shoulder strap, oblong open piece running down back to below waist. Petticoat secured by 2 horizontal canvas straps and locking brass buckles across gap. Garment re-inforced round waist and mended across left thigh and below waist at back with double layer machine stitching.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Place & Date Used
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Inscriptions
"O" cut and inked into material inside front of bodice.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
49 cm (Length), 124 cm (Height)
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References
Stoller,A & Emmerson,R. History of Medicine Vol.3, No.1,1972 Card with exhibit.
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Keywords
Building Security, Psychiatric Hospitals, Underwear, Making History - Psych Services
