Bandana - North Star (Harriet Tubman I)

Our eye-catching bandana is a tribute to Harriet Tubman through an artistic interpretation of the headscarf she was wearing in her iconic portrait photograph.

Although the photo is black and white, Tubman's headscarf has been described as maroon with white dots. After researching into widely used textiles from the period when the photograph would have been taken, the artist created a maroon, red, and white pattern that is consistent with cotton fabrics made in the mid-19th century. 

The deep red colors are symbolic of the depth of Harriet Tubman's conviction to the cause of emancipation despite the risks. The white is symbolic of the stars that she used to guide her way. In the lower right corner is a graphic of the North Star constellation, which she used to help guide her as she led people to their freedom. 

Hand printed in India, this bandana was created for the National Archives Foundation in partnership, and includes both the All Very Goods and National Archives Foundation logos in the lower left corner.