What does wearing this sash mean?

[Phil Antony]

Hi,
I have a family picture dated from approximately 1901, which includes my Great Aunt Emily (attached), and also her sister-in-law who are both wearing what look like black sashes wrapped over their blouses. I haven't seen anything like this in other portraits so was wondering if it may symbolise membership to a society or cause of some kind? The family had close connections with churches and mission societies based around Bromley, Kent, and Hammersmith, so its a possibility there could be a connection there.
Has anyone seen anything similar in any family pictures of their own, or have any idea why it would be worn?
Thanks for any help.
Phil

[Skoosh]

Death of Victoria maybe?

Skoosh.

[Ruskie]

I'm sure someone will be able to help you with this.

This looks like it is a bow attached to the bodice with a brooch with the tails of the bow wrapped around the waist.

Are you able to get a close up of the brooch? There looks to be some decoration there. I would have thought a membership to one of the societies you mention may have had some lettering on a buckle or brooch. This looks like diamante or jewels of some sort which I would expect might be too 'fancy'. Does the sister in law have the same brooch/buckle?

The 'sash'/'bow' looks to be very dark, probably black, and sits oddly on top of the bodice, so doesn't look as though it is part of the dress - it looks like it has been "pinned on".

No idea really - just a guess.  Interesting photo.

[Treetotal]

I think it's a mourning sash with bow.
Carol

[Phil Antony]

The brooch on the sash looks like it might have a fleur de lys decoration to it, but its difficult to see. Her sister-in-law has a small bouquet of flowers attached to her sash, so maybe the clasp is designed for that too?

A mourning sash is a possibility as there had been a death in the family about 6 months earlier, but there is another sister, plus another sister-in-law in the picture, and they aren't wearing sashes.

[Treetotal]

Are the other females you mention wearing dark clothing though?

Carol

[purlin]

May be the lady is a touch over decorated for mourning.  I think jewellery was limited to jet or similar, not pearls.   

[Treetotal]

Welcome to Rootschat Phil...can you post the whole photo.
Carol

[Trishanne]

I'm wondering if your aunt is a friend of the deceased and not a relative, so is wearing the black sash just as a mark of respect. She also looks as if she has a black bow or hat on her hair.
There are several photos on Google images of children wearing black sashes, even one of a baby wearing black bows on the shoulders.
Pat