Object Details
Description
This tortoiseshell woman's hair comb dates from the 19th century. A precursor to plastics, tortoiseshell and horn were common materials used in combs since they could be made soft and moldable by heating. As they cooled, they would harden and keep their new shape.
Description (Spanish)
Peine de mujer hecho con caparazón de tortuga, procedente del siglo XIX. Los caparazones de tortuga y los cuernos eran materiales comúnmente utilizados para la fabricación de peines por ser susceptibles a ablandarse y modelarse mediante calor. Al enfriarse, se endurecían conservando la nueva forma.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Teodoro Vidal
Date made
19th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0305.001
catalog number
1997.0097.0305.001
accession number
1997.0097
Object Name
comb, hair
Physical Description
tortoiseshell (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 13 cm x 10.3 cm x 2.7 cm; 5 1/8 in x 4 1/16 in x 1 1/16 in
Place Made
Puerto Rico
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Ethnic
Cultures & Communities
Clothing & Accessories
Vidal
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Daily Life
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_601177