Accession Number

2010.007.003a-c

Alternate Name

wig powderer

Description

One treen (bogwood) wig-powderer in three threaded pieces: a. base; b. neck; c. top.

Narrative

This three-part wooden wig powderer was used to dispense starch powder onto wigs. The starch was typically derived from wheat or rice, though corn was also used. Wig powder was sometimes scented with lavender or orange flower.

This wig powderer is an example of treen, which is a term for small household objects handmade from wood. 

People have been collecting treen objects for centuries.

History of Use

The history of use of this object is not known. This example was donated to Craigdarroch by the widow of a British treen collector in 2010.

Date

1790

Dimensions

11.5 cm
6 cm

Material

Wood, bogwood

Technique

Carved; Handmade