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Stomacher
Stomacher found hidden up a chimney during renovation work at a cottage in Pontarddulais in 2002. It dates from the mid-18th century, and was possibly concealed to bring good luck and fertility to the home.
Stomacher of a pair of stays (worn underneath outer garments), or possibly boned dress stomacher, with closely spaced boning, roughly heart-shaped, flax fibre stitching thread throughout (and some silk stitching on the reverse, possibly formerly holding silk lining in place). Constructed from four tapering sections which have been stitched together. The upper section of the centre seam has become partly undone and the two boned pieces now overlap, but it is likely that they were originally joined up along the edges which would have given the stomacher a greater curve across the bust.