Mysteries

Given the historical and cultural context of the shawl gifted to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria, it is imperative to must and reflect upon key mysteries that remain today. One of which is why Harriet Tubman rejected Queen Victoria’s invitation to her Diamond Jubilee in England. Although historians have proposed various possibilities, such as Tubman’s declining health, her financial limitations, or her commitments to community work in Auburn, no definitive explanation has been confirmed. The motives behind Queen Victoria’s personal admiration for Tubman, as well as the full extent of their communication or interactions, remain only vaguely understood due to limited records.

 

Interestingly enough, the foundation of the shawl itself contains gaps that raise questions about how it was transported, preserved, and passed down. It is equally important to note the questions that arise about the shawl's color; white during this time resembled purity and moral authority, yet it is unclear whether Queen Victoria intentionally selected the shawl for its symbolic meaning or simply as a gesture of respect. Tubman later wore white on a daily basis following being gifted the shawl, representing Tubman’s belief that all people deserved respect. Scholars still debate how Tubman may have interpreted this symbolism, whether she viewed the shawl as admiration for her humanitarian work, or rather a practical gift.

 

As no surviving evidence explicitly details the motivations behind its color or design, the deeper meaning of the white shawl remains entirely speculative. Essentially, these lingering uncertainties necessitate the need for continued archival research and comparative historical analysis to fully display the true relationship between these two amazing women.