Mask and wig

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This shows the right side of the face-mask and wig used by Alexander Peden, a Covenanting minister from Ayrshire. Peden used the face-mask and wig as a disguise when preaching at 'conventicles' - illegal outdoor services.

The leather mask is shaped to the face by a 'T' shaped thong sewn inside. The beard and wig are probably made of human hair.

Most of Peden's illegal preaching was done in the south and west of Scotland. When not preaching he would travel between sites, sleeping in caves and shelters to avoid recognition and capture.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-837-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NT 240
• Date: 1670s and 1680s
  Around 1670
  c. 1660 - 1670
  
• Material: Leather; fabric, dark red and brown; hair; feathers, brown; wood
  Linen; hair
  Mask / face, false
  Wig
  
• Dimensions: 235 mm H x 260 mm W
  458 mm L x 250 mm Dia
  
• What: Mask / face, false
  Wig
  
• Subject:
• Who: Reverend Alexander Peden (Owner)
  Reverend Alexander Peden (Owner)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Face mask made of leather, roughly oval, worn by Alexander Peden, a covenanting minister, c. 1670s - 1680s
  Wig with a base of coarse knotted linen net to which the hair, now lacking on the crown, is attached, worn by Alexander Peden, a covenanting minister, c. 1670s - 1680s
  
• References:
• Translations:
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