Description:
Head or wig scratcher made of ivory hand with wooden handle. The ivory scratcher is in the shape of a small hand (pinky missing). The articulated right hand features detailed fingernails, hand lines, and shirt ruffle. The scratcher's wooden handle may be replaced. During the 17th and much of the 18th centuries, wigs and false hair supplements were an integral part of the appearance of well-dressed men and women. The addition of false hair, including toupees and wigs, by hair dressers were often left on the wearers for many days. Head scratchers like these provided relief from dryness and itchy scalps, sometimes exacerbated by lice.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+66.210

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