Southwark Heritage
This hat belonged to a street “dentist” or tooth puller. It is made of brown velvet and felt and decorated with approximately 88 rotting human teeth that once belonged to his patients.
The tooth was drilled and secured with string. Wearing such a hat was thought to suggest a 'magician' aspect of the dentist's work. Because tooth extraction was painful, dangerous, and done without anesthesia, people needed to have some faith in their “dentist.” Even if it's just proof on his hat that he's successfully run his business. Part of the Edward Lovett collection.
See more: 3D model from Cuming Collection, Art Collection and Southwark Archives, Sketchfab h/t: vintag.es
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council
Cumming Collection, Southwark Council