Coiffure Support

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 accessories. Leatherworking during this era involved skilled tanning and shaping techniques, often using vegetable dyes or simple tooling to create functional yet elegant forms. In the context of Islamic art's formative centuries, such items offer a glimpse into domestic life, where personal adornment held cultural significance amid the blend of Byzantine, Sasanian, and emerging Arab influences. This piece, a gift from George F. Baker in 1890, highlights how ordinary objects preserve extraordinary stories of human vanity and craftsmanship. Though modest in scale, the *Coiffure Support* invites us to ponder the timeless pursuit of style, bridging the gap between ancient wearers and modern admirers in the Met's vast collection.