Silver vinaigrette in the shape of a skull, Europe, 1701-180
Likes pomanders, vinaigrettes could be used as a vessel to hold strong smelling substances to be sniffed should the user be passing through a particularly smelly area. At a time when miasma theories of disease – the idea that disease was carried by foul air – were dominant, carrying a vinaigrette was considered a protective measure. Vapours from a vinegar-soaked sponge in the bottom were inhaled through the small holes in the top of the ‘acorn’. If a person felt faint they could also sniff their vinaigrette and the sharp vinegar smell might shock the body into action. The skull was probably hung from a piece of cord or necklace and carried at all times. It is shown here with another skull-shaped example (A641486).
maker: Unknown maker
Place made: Europe
Medical Photographic Library
Keywords: pomander; vinaigrette
https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/9b/f4/64901046febd37738f733439a466.jpg
- Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/L0058619.html
- Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-04-03): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/apbjjwcq CC-BY-4.0
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