Ivory powder bottle used by a wig dresser, England, 1701-1800

Ivory powder bottle used by wig dresser, globular body

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Ivory powder bottle used by wig dresser, globular body
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ivory powder bottle used by wig dresser, globular body, screw on base, probably English, 18th century

Many men and women in the 1700s had their heads shaved to prevent attacks of head lice and remove the need to wash the hair. To cover up the baldness, they wore wigs made from human hair or horsehair, which were stuck on with animal fat. White powder, made from ingredients such flour and clay, were placed on to wigs to give them a fashionable colour. Wigs were also status symbols and often indicated the wealth of the wearer.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A182306
Materials:
ivory
Measurements:
overall: 74 mm 54 mm, .04kg
type:
bottle
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)