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 81 items.
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San Rafael Arcángel
- Description
- This especially fine figure of St. Raphael the Archangel, was carved in the 18th century. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 18th century
- depicted
- Saint Raphael
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0785
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0785
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Barber's Tools
- Description
- This barber's kit included a pair of scissors, a manual clipper, straight razors, and a brush. Barbering has long been an independent, respectable way to earn a living. These tools belonged to an itinerant barber in Puerto Rico. In the 1930s and 1940s, la zafra, the sugar harvest, brought younger men, women, and families from the rural highlands and the urban coastal regions together. Itinerant barbers followed the sugar harvest, earning a significant part of their income.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0835.001
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0835.001
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
San José
- Description
- The santos collected by Teodoro Vidal were objects of religious devotion. Note the milagros tied to this base of the figure of San José. Saint Joseph is often depicted with his staff as he carries the Christ Child.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- late 19th-early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0849
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0849
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
San Juan Nepomuceno
- Description
- This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century. The Church promoted devotion to this saint since it encouraged Catholics to confess their sins in the presence of a priest, a ritual known as the Sacrament of Penance. This santo is believed to be the work of Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1754-1818-06-18
- maker
- Espada, Felipe de la
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0901
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0901
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Juego de Servir Ron
- Description
- This rum decanter with matching cups was made from wood. Rum, a by-product of sugar cane, is closely associated with the history of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, rum is produced for both foreign and domestic consumption.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- early 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0881
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0881
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Dita
- Description
- This elaborately carved oblong bowl is made from the gourd-like fruit of a calabash tree called the higüero. This common material was used in the construction of different types of domestic items, especially in rural areas.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0882
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0882
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Ladle
- Description
- This cucharón, or ladle, is constructed from a gourd bowl with wood handle. Teodoro Vidal went to great lengths to research and document the objects that he collected. The notes written by him upon acquiring this ladle read, "Hataca, or Jataca (word of Indian origin), large spoon or vessel made of gourd. Often used to get water from the tinajero (water filter). This one was acquired in 1958 in the town of Anasco."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- mid 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0955
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0955
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Cantimplora
- Description
- This contemporary coconut canteen demonstrates dynamic craftsmanship using a variety of materials. The main body is made from a polished coconut incised with geometric designs. It is carried in a metal frame with a wooden handle and sealed with a plastic and cork stopper.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.0956
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.0956
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Milagros
- Description
- Ex-votos, called milagros in Spanish, are offerings to a particular saint for help in curing an ailment. Many milagros are in the shape of specific body parts. Usually made of silver or tin, they can also be found in wax, gold, and other metals. Santos and milagros in the Vidal Collection date from the 1700s.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 20th century
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1006.001
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1006.001
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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