The Church

Peden's Mask

Period:

17th Century

Date:

c. 1660 - 1670

Description:

Face-mask said to have been used, along with a wig, by the covenanting minister, Alexander Peden (1626 - 86). It is a professionally made piece that would have been an effective disguise. Peden may have felt some need of this as he was a wanted man for preaching at conventicles in Ayrshire after he was deprived of his charge at New Luce in 1662.

Materials/Media:

Leather, linen, hair, wood, feathers

Dimensions:

height 235 mm, width 260 mm; wig length 458 mm

Source:

National Museums Scotland

Accession Number:

H.NT.239

Digital Number:

NMAC001n

Copyright:

Board of Trustees, National Museums Scotland

Reference:

Calder, J. (ed). The Wealth of a Nation. Edinburgh & Glasgow: NMS & Drew, 1989