A large and handsome Spanish style hair comb in celluloid faux tortoiseshell
CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear
SIZE: 7 ins h x 4 ins w (18 x 10 cm) decorative part 4 ins h (10 cm)
APPROXIMATE DATE: 1910s – 1920s
MATERIALS: celluloid faux tortoiseshell
DESCRIPTION:
This type of ornament is often known as Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles a smaller version of the traditional large shell ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. In practice any comb which has a high upstanding heading or top which stands proud of the top of the head is often called a mantilla comb.
This example is made from celluloid faux tortoiseshell and probably dates from the early 20th century. It has a high rectangular heading with a curved top. The openwork panel is of lace like delicacy and has been filled with scroll work and swooping lines which display some Art Nouveau influence.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
The term 'Spanish mantilla combs' is often used as a kind of umbrella category for any decorative hair comb with a high upstanding cresting that rises up proud from the top of the head when the comb is placed in position. However, the Spanish mantilla comb or Peineta, to give it the correct name, is rightly that comb which is part of the beautiful and traditional native dress worn in certain parts of Spain.
The high combs with which we are familiar were adopted at the Spanish court and this led to their being regarded as part of traditional Spanish costume. The use of the peineta declined somewhat in its native Spain during the 20th century. However the growth of the Spanish tourist industry in the mid 20th century led to a new interest in Spanish costume, music and dance. Large combs are now popular souvenirs with tourists. They are also worn for Spanish dance and on festive occasions such as fiestas. In the past such combs were hand wrought from metal, horn or tortoiseshell. Nowadays they are mass produced and are usually made in some synthetic material which does not need to be “tortoiseshell” coloured.
The collage picture shows some examples of sitters wearing similar hair accessories and is taken from contemporary fashion illustrations of the period.