Phrenology walking stick, c. 1850
On application
A phrenology head walking stick of ivory, made in England around 1850. The hardwood shaft with on top an ivory barrel ring and at the bottom brass ferule.
The ivory head is beautifully carved, engraved and stamped with the phrenological system of 35 numbered areas. The areas are symmetrically placed corresponding to various traits, which are tabulated under the neck: Beginning with: * Mastoid process, + Alimentiveness, 1. Amativeness, 2. Philoprogenitiveness etc. The lines, numbers, and words are filled with black paint, which remains generally readable.
Phrenology had its roots in a belief that all human actions and mental processes have locations in the brain. Far from being quack, it became a focus for serious, well-founded and documented studies, beginning in the late 18th century and continuing for nearly 100 years. The widespread interest in phrenology spawned many objects and artifacts, including porcelain and plaster heads, ashtrays, etc., of which cane heads have perhaps the most charm in the widely different expressions and aspects. Among these miniature ivory head there seem to be about a dozen distinct personages, some male, some female, some not clear.
In mint condition without any damage on the ivory.
Length: 98 cm.
