Hello!I've long wanted to wear a "cofia de tranzado" (coif for braid), *the* elegant headdress of choice for any 1470s spanish lady or lady's attendant. But so far I've failed ...to gravity! Does anyone have any idea how cloth may have been secured to the hair itself in the 15th c.? I'm just not happy to reach for modern hairpins without justification.
Here's some photos showing the headdress and the problem. There are many such headdresses shown in otherwise normal paintings and the "cofia de tranzado" appears in wills and literature of the time, so I'd say it's real, even if it may be idealized to some degree in some paintings. The early ones (say, up to 1480s) appear to go closer to the nape of the neck and less shaped. While later ones seem to close lower, beloew the neck, and be more shaped or decorated.
Here's a very clear picture of one, albeit with a roll over it (which may help secure it, but most don't have this). http://jessamynscloset.com/images/postspainimages/Reyesmujeres/rmII.jpg
I just don't think that leaves any space for a bun that might help support it.
The woman on the upper right is also wearing one, by itself: http://jessamynscloset.com/images/postspainimages/Notebook/nbored.jpg
The woman next to her may have her braid enclosed but without the top, as that was worn sometimes too.
Falling down was a problem they had too, as this one shows: http://jessamynscloset.com/images/postspainimages/Barcelona%20Cath/BC75.jpg
Again, there seems to be no fun nor bands to help it stay in place. I've managed to replicate this one quite well...
It just takes an hour or so of wearing it.
Finally, a version in netting (lady at bottom right): http://jessamynscloset.com/images/more%20art/lleida2
Any help, info, hints, ideas to try, etc. will be very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Marianne / Leonor