What is a Capote? Understanding the Definition and Uses

In the United States, understanding the term “Capote” can be a bit confusing due to its dual meaning. On one hand, it refers to a traditional garment worn in Canada, while on the other, it’s associated with the famous American author Truman Capote. This article will explore both meanings, providing a comprehensive look at what a capote is and how it has been used throughout history.

The Capote Garment

A capote (pronounced as /fr/) or capot (pronounced as /fr/) is a long wrap-style wool coat with a hood. The term originates from the French language and was adopted into English as early as 1812. The capote has a rich history, dating back to the early days of the North American fur trade. Both indigenous peoples and European Canadian settlers fashioned wool blankets into “capotes” as a means of coping with harsh winters.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the capote became an essential piece of clothing for various groups, including First Nations, the habitants and voyageurs of New France, the Métis of the Red River Colony, and British settlers, traders, and trappers of British North America. The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) played a significant role in popularizing the capote. They sold capotes, called blanket coats, made out of the company’s “point” blankets. These were sold at HBC trading posts starting in the early 18th century and were popular among traders for their “wrap” style, which was easy to move and hunt in.

The Canadian Mackinaw jacket, originally made from HBC blankets, serves as a functional equivalent of the Hudson’s Bay Company blanket coat. The Hudson’s Bay blanket coat served as a template for the Mackinaw jacket. Over time, the design of the capote evolved, incorporating elements from European and American fashions.

The Habitant Capote

In the early 1600s, French sailors traded their capotes to the Micmac in North America. By 1619, the French habitants were also wearing capotes. Fifty years later, the habitants wore an altered form of the capote, possibly based on the then fashionable justacorps or on the French military uniforms of soldiers stationed in New France at the time, such as the Carignan-Salières Regiment. The altered knee-length version had no buttons and was worn with a military sash (Ceinture fléchée).

The Métis Capote

The Métis capotes of the Red River area were made of leather or wool. Those made of leather were often decorated with beads and silk embroidery in floral designs. The wool capotes were of different colors; blue was preferred by the Catholic Métis and white by the Protestant Métis while grey was worn by both. A sash was worn around the waist, and a fire bag was either tucked in the folds of the sash or hung around the neck by a shoulder strap. A fire bag was used for carrying flints, steel, and tinder to start a fire as well as tobacco, pipe, knife, and other personal items, as most capotes had no pockets.

In Canadian Culture

In the latter half of the 19th century, the blanket coat was popularized amongst the European-descended population of Canada to the extent that it was looked on as national dress. Blanket coats had been used for some time before by those with outdoor occupations, but in this period, the cut and construction of the coat started to follow changing European and American fashions and became more widely used.

The popularity of the coat was part of a wider movement to adopt aspects of the culture of indigenous people in order to establish a Canadian identity that was separate from both British and United States identities. Two elite groups were important in establishing the blanket coat’s popularity. One was the Montreal Snow Shoe Club, which adopted the blanket coat as required equipment. Snow shoeing was another activity adopted from indigenous people and for a time became immensely popular as a sport. The other group was a succession of Governors General of Canada photographed wearing blanket coats. Perhaps even more significant for spreading the coat as a fashion was its wearing by the wives of Governors General, known as viceregal consorts. Initially considered a male garment, by this period, it was being made in versions for women and children.

Truman Capote: The Author

On the other hand, the term “Capote” is also associated with the famous American author Truman Capote. Born in 1924, Capote was a writer known for his works such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood.” His career was marked by both critical acclaim and personal struggles, including addiction and public scandals.

Capote’s death in 1984 didn’t come as a shock, even at the age of 59. The acclaimed author of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood” spent the decade preceding his demise publicly sliding into addiction, frequently while appearing on talk shows. His final years were marked by a decline in both his health and reputation, leading to his untimely death.

Despite his personal struggles, Capote continued to write. In the 19 years between the publication of “In Cold Blood” and his death, he published only one book of original material, “Music for Chameleons,” which was a collection of short stories and essays. This book, while not as well-known as his earlier works, was still recognized for its literary merit.

Capote’s legacy extends beyond his writing. He was known for his sharp wit, keen observations, and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. His work continues to influence writers and readers alike, making him a significant figure in American literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term “Capote” has two distinct meanings. On one hand, it refers to a traditional garment worn in Canada, while on the other, it is associated with the famous American author Truman Capote. Understanding both meanings provides a comprehensive view of the term and its significance in different contexts.

For those interested in learning more about the capote garment, there are numerous resources available, including historical accounts, cultural studies, and fashion references. For those interested in Truman Capote’s life and work, his books and biographies offer valuable insights into his contributions to American literature.

Whether you’re exploring the history of the capote garment or delving into the world of Truman Capote, there is much to discover and appreciate. Both the garment and the author have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, making them worthy of further study and reflection.

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