Pigtail

Date1798

MediumHair (human or horse)

DimensionsObject/Work: 390 x 35 x 15 mm

ClassificationsPersonal Ornament

Terms

Object numberC09024

DescriptionFalse pigtail worn by Richard Cuming when in the Surrey Volunteers. Humans have long worn false hair as coverings or as additions to their own hair. Throughout 18th century Europe in particular wigs were common among men of higher social rank. Things began to change at the end of the 18th century and wigs became less and less fashionable and more natural and practical hairstyles began to be adopted. However, at the time of Richard Cuming's service with the Surreys, pigtails were a common part of many military dress codes throughout Europe. This piece was attached to his own hair with ribbons and possibly greased and powdered. Soldiers of lower social rank, who did not wear wigs, often tied their own hair back and greased and powdered it to look as if they were wearing a wig.

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