Coiffure Support
Unknown Artist
3rd–7th century
Medium
Leather
Dimensions
Max. H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) Max. W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification
Leather
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George F. Baker, 1890
Accession Number
90.5.39
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of ancient grooming with the *Coiffure Support*, delicate leather artifact from the 3–7th century, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic department. Measuring just 7¾ inches high and 1 inches wide, this small yet intriguing object was likely used to support or style elaborate hairstyles, reflecting the everyday beauty rituals of people in early Islamic or late antique societies across the Middle East or North Africa. Crafted by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the ingenuity of leather as a versatile medium—lightweight, flexible, and durable for personal access...