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Mask and wig

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Worn by Alexander Peden

Postcard of Mask and wig.
000-190-000-835-C
© National Museums Scotland

Mask and wig

This shows the back, right hand 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 base of the wig is of coarse, knotted linen net edged with linen ribbon. The hair, which is probably human, is attached to the net by being twisted round pairs of linen threads and secured with a running stitch.

The mask was discovered in the 1840s in a cottage near Cumnock in Ayrshire. It belonged to the great granddaughter of Peden's brother. Peden's relics, such as the mask, wig and sword, had been handed down through his family for generations.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-000-835-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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
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
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