Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - Introduction
Explore Puerto Rico’s history, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, through the eyes of collector Teodoro Vidal. Vidal captured the island’s history by collecting thousands of objects. Over 80 artifacts are featured here.
"Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - Introduction" showing 5 items.
Canasta Colgante
- Description
- This basket was bought in Luquillo in 1979. The hanging supports are made of bejuco, processed fiber from the century plant, or maguey. A large metal disk was placed around the top to keep rodents from crawling into it from above. Widely used in rural kitchens, it is called a canestillo in the center of the island and a barandillo in the north.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ca 1979
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1012
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1012
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Molinillo de Café
- Description
- This manual coffee grinder from the late 1800s is a mechanized replacement for the mortar and pestle. The covered grinding receptacle empties the ground beans into a wooden box in its base.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- late 19th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1132
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1132
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Spoon
- Description
- This coconut shell spoon has the carved inscription "JMR 14." It is an example of a typical eating utensil in rural Puerto Rico during the 19th century. Spoons like these were often hung in a row in the kitchen, one for each member of the family.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- late 19th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1159
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1159
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Paila
- Description
- This metal pot, used for making guava paste and other sweets at home, was acquired in Rio Piedras in 1953.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1177
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1177
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Peine
- Description
- This whimsical example of a hand-made tortoiseshell comb, may be in the shape of a whale.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- late 19th-early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0289.006
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0289.006
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center