Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - About the Collection
In 1992, curator Marvette Pérez contacted Puerto Rican collector Teodoro Vidal Santoni after learning that he was interested in donating his extensive collection of Puerto Rican material culture. In 1997, after several visits and conversations over the course of five years, Mr. Vidal agreed to donate his entire collection to the National Museum of American History. This became one of the largest gifts by an individual to the Museum. One of the most important collections of Puerto Rican material culture in the world, it consists of more than 3,200 objects which date from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
"Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - About the Collection" showing 25 items.
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Water Jug
- Description
- Chickens are a familiar decorative theme in household objects. This contemporary chicken-shaped botijo, or water jug is made of terra cotta with a removable stopper in the form of a chicken head.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- ca 1980
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0082
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0082
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Pilón
- Description
- This mortar and pestle were used to grind coffee beans after they were dried and roasted. Coffee was a major cash crop in Puerto Rico, second only to sugar. It grows well in the low mountains of the island, like the fertile area around the town of Yauco in the southwest. In the 19th century many Corsicans settled in this region and played a significant role in developing the island's coffee economy, both as growers and exporters.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- ca 1970
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0129
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0129
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Branding iron
- Description
- This branding iron was used in the 20th century to brand cattle with the letters "HC." While cattle and other livestock were introduced to Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean in the earliest years of Spanish settlement, by the 20th century most land on the island was geared towards a cash crop economy based on sugar cane, coffee, tobacco, and other agricultural products grown for export.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0138
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0138
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Cuello de Encaje
- Description
- In Puerto Rico, the traditional center of lace making is the town of Moca. There, lace is made by hand on bobbins and is known as mundillo. Bobbin lace is a complicated process of weaving together different spools of thread held in place by pins. Lace making today is undergoing a resurgence of popularity among a new generation of lace makers on and off the island.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0156
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0156
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Funda de Almohada
- Description
- Lace-making and sewing were more than utilitarian projects. They allowed young girls to express themselves artistically while learning discipline and attention to detail. This embroidered linen and lace pillow sham belonged to Miguel Roses at the turn of the 20th century. Bird and flower designs surround the monogram in the center.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- user
- Rosas, Miguel
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0158
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0158
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Piene de Mujer
- Description
- This tortoiseshell woman's hair comb dates from the 19th century. A precursor to plastics, tortoiseshell and horn were common materials used in combs since they could be made soft and moldable by heating. As they cooled, they would harden and keep their new shape.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 19th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0305.001
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0305.001
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Sewing Kit
- Description
- Both on the island and in "the States," many working women found jobs in textile mills and garment factories to support themselves and add to their family incomes. Poorer women took in piecework at home, and were often involved in the labor-intensive production of handmade garments that only the wealthy could afford. Needlework of all kinds-knitting, crocheting, and embroidery-and the use of sewing machines were seen as a material way for a young girl to help support her family.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0593.001
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0593.001
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Naipes
- Description
- These hand-painted playing cards or naipes are from the 19th century. Most playing cards used in Puerto Rico and the rest of Latin America were imported from Spain and were used for both gaming and fortune-telling. They differ in both number and suits from the standard card decks used in North America.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 19th century
- publisher
- Fournier, Heralio
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0600
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0600
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Plato de Madera
- Description
- Carved from a single piece of wood, this large and oblong shallow wood platter was probably used for drying coffee or serving sweets in the early 20th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0357
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0357
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Fuelle
- Description
- A bellows is a device for pumping air to get a fire started and to make it hotter. This handmade bellows was collected from the Joyería Bairan, a jeweler's shop on Calle Fortaleza in San Juan. This jewelry store produced many silver ex-votos, probably using this bellows in the process.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- mid 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0517
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0517
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center