Peineta (comb)
Encyclopedia
In Spain, a peineta is a large decorative comb usually worn under a mantilla
, or lace head covering.
The hair ornament, worn by women, consists of a convex body and a set of teeth that affix it to hair worn in a bun
. The peineta was once made of tortoise shell
, but is now usually made of synthetic materials such as acrylic or plastic.
The origin of the peineta goes back to the 19th century in Spain
, but there is evidence of its use on the Iberian Peninsula
as early as the 5th century BCE and in other areas from the 17th century. It is used today primarily during special occasions such as weddings, bullfights, Holy Week
processions, and traditional performances of flamenco
music.
The peineta is usually worn with a mantilla
, a veil worn over the head and shoulders. The mantilla is also a common element of some Valencian and Andalusia
n flamenco costumes.
In some countries, such as Chile, it is known as peinetas a los peines, while in the Philippines it is referred to as payneta.
Mantilla
A mantilla is a lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high comb, popular with women in Spain. It is particularly associated with traditional devotional practices among women in Catholicism.-History:...
, or lace head covering.
The hair ornament, worn by women, consists of a convex body and a set of teeth that affix it to hair worn in a bun
Bun (hairstyle)
A bun is a type of hairstyle, typically worn by women, where the hair is pulled back from the face, twisted or plaited, and wrapped in a circular coil around itself, typically on the back of the head or neck. They can either be secured with a hairpiece, a hairnet and bobby pins. They may be...
. The peineta was once made of tortoise shell
Tortoiseshell material
Tortoiseshell or tortoise shell is a material produced mainly from the shell of the hawksbill turtle, an endangered species. It was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s in the manufacture of items such as combs, sunglasses, guitar picks and knitting needles...
, but is now usually made of synthetic materials such as acrylic or plastic.
The origin of the peineta goes back to the 19th century in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, but there is evidence of its use on the Iberian Peninsula
Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...
as early as the 5th century BCE and in other areas from the 17th century. It is used today primarily during special occasions such as weddings, bullfights, Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter...
processions, and traditional performances of flamenco
Flamenco
Flamenco is a genre of music and dance which has its foundation in Andalusian music and dance and in whose evolution Andalusian Gypsies played an important part....
music.
The peineta is usually worn with a mantilla
Mantilla
A mantilla is a lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high comb, popular with women in Spain. It is particularly associated with traditional devotional practices among women in Catholicism.-History:...
, a veil worn over the head and shoulders. The mantilla is also a common element of some Valencian and Andalusia
Andalusia
Andalusia is the most populous and the second largest in area of the autonomous communities of Spain. The Andalusian autonomous community is officially recognised as a nationality of Spain. The territory is divided into eight provinces: Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and...
n flamenco costumes.
In some countries, such as Chile, it is known as peinetas a los peines, while in the Philippines it is referred to as payneta.