A Mulher do Capote — From a Traditional Garment to a Liqueur Brand
Capote e Capelo is a characteristic garment of Azorean clothing and was, for a long time, the traditional costume for women. Gradually, it fell into disuse, becoming a picturesque historical curiosity. Nowadays, Mulher de Capote is a reference brand in Azorean liqueurs.
The characteristic “Capote e Capelo” is part of the social and cultural identity of the Azores and it consisted of two separate pieces, both made of thick resistant English cloth, dark blue or black, which completely covered a woman’s body, allowing only a glimpse of her face.
The “Capote” was basically a round cape that reached to the feet; the “Capelo” was the broad head covering, supported by a bow, made of whale bone, and a hemp lining, which ensured its shape and consistency.
Its origin is little known: for some, it was imported from Flanders, for others, it is an adaptation of cloaks and hoods that were in fashion in Portugal in the 17th and 18th centuries. What is certain is that for a long time it was the traditional costume of the Azorean woman.
Capote e Capelo was an inherited garment, passing on from generation to generation, and sometimes serving the whole family. Mandatory pieces of the bride’s dowry, it also served as an engagement attire. Therefore, for the poorest women, the great ambition was to own a Capote e Capelo.
It was used by women throughout the archipelago, until the middle of the 20th century. Its configuration varied from island to island. The larger Capelo was typical of the islands of Faial and Santa Maria. The one in Faial had the extravagant shape of a wedge over the shoulders, which protruded forward by more than a foot. São Miguel’s was longer to the rear.
Over time, the image of the “capote and capelo woman” was represented and disseminated in various media and became an identity element of Azorean experiences and culture.
On Terceira Island, women used an alternative to Capote and Capelo. It was called a “Manto”. The “Manto” consisted of a black skirt and a cloak, which functioned as a kind of hood, lined with cardboard, that covered the woman from the waist up, and had an opening in front.
“A Mulher de Capote” Liqueurs
Capote e Capelo was the inspiration basis for the creation of the “A Mulher de Capote” brand of the Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos, Lda Liqueur Factory. Founded in 1993, but with an accumulated experience since 1936, this family company is dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of alcoholic beverages.
The factory is located in São Miguel, in the city of Ribeira Grande, with a commercial presence on three continents. It is dedicated to the production of natural fruit liqueurs, spirits and other alcoholic products.
Present in the horeca market, traditional commerce and modern distribution, the Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos Liqueur Factory owns the brands “Ezequiel”, “Mulher de Capote”, “Queen of the Islands”, “Goshawk Gin” among others.
One of the best known products of the Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos factory is the Passion Fruit Liqueur Ezequiel, which has already been awarded 6 international gold medals for its quality. The “A Mulher de Capote” range of liqueurs features a wide range of flavors, from blackberry, banana, pineapple, milk liqueur, which are presented in very specific bottles, typical of this liqueur factory.
Recently, the Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos liqueur factory launched the “Goshawk” line of gin, with the traditional premium flavors, passion fruit, tangerine and, of course, pineapple. These are gins produced with high quality Azorean products.
In addition to these lines, Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos also markets a “very old” brandy and the “Queen of the Islands” line, with its chocolate, cream, strawberry, rice pudding and, more recently, “Queijada da Vila ”, with a flavor inspired by the traditional Queijadas from Vila Franca do Campo.
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