Ivory artificial nose, Europe, 1701-1800
Carved from a single piece of ivory, this prosthetic nose would have been an expensive purchase beyond the means of most people. It is unclear how the nose was worn as there are no holes for straps. It may have been fixed to any existing nasal structure. Common causes of nose injuries were warfare and syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection that can eventually cause the bridge of the nose to collapse).
Object number:
A641030
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: nose
The prominent part of the face or anterior extremity of the head that lies above the mouth containing the nostrils and olfactory cavities; the olfactory organ.
Glossary: artificial nose
An artificial device to replace part or all of a missing nose.
Glossary: syphilis
A sexually transmitted infection resulting in the formation of lesions throughout the body.
Glossary: sexually transmitted infection
Any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse. STIs include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, some chlamydia infections and genital herpes.
Glossary: prostheses
Artificial body parts, or materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic effect. Prostheses can be functional (artificial arms and legs), or cosmetic (artificial eye).