Cap
Cap
Object name: Cap
Associated with Edward Lovett (1852 - 1933)
Date: 1825-1855
Dimensions:
200 x 170 x 130 mm
Medium: Felt, human teeth, twine
Object number: C15246
DescriptionThis cap belonged to a street "dentist" or tooth puller. It is made of brown velvet and felt, and decorated with approximately 88 decayed human teeth, once belonging to his patients. The teeth have been drilled and attached with twine. Wearing a cap like this was supposed to imply the "magician" aspect of the dentists work. As teeth pulling was painful and risky and done without anaesthetic, people needed to have some faith in the "dentist", even if it was only the evidence, worn on the cap, that he had successfully plied his trade. Part of the Lovett collection.
Culture: Victorian