Ostrich Feather Fan
c.1890
Feather, celluloid
JJ.1980.132
This fan would actually have been quite inexpensive compared with other feather fans of the late 19th century. The feathers were plucked from a male Ostrich, and the handle is an inexpensive material. A more decorative example from the time could have had a tortoise shell handle, with elaborate and artistic carvings, and perhaps different colored feathers as well.
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