Plaster Cast Skull: Phrenology Educational Tool

Front view of skull cast prior to conservation. White bloom can be seen over the surface of cast, and the surface is discoloured to a dark brown colour. The skull sits next to a paper scale.

Identification

  • Object Type: Plaster cast of a human skull
  • Date: 1800s-1867
  • Origin: Watt institute, Dundee
  • Owner: The McManus Museum, Dundee
  • Maker: Unknown
  • Measurements: 15 cm x 21 cm
  • Materials: Plaster-of-Paris (gypsum plaster), surface coating used to waterproof and protect cast

Summary

This object is a plaster cast of a human skull. 

The human whose skull was used for the cast is unidentified. There is a paper label on the forehead of the skull, but any writing which was once visible is now illegible. Under UV light a ‘H’ and ‘E’ can just about be read, but this is not definitive. Small pieces of newspaper are attached to the surface of the skull in various areas, likely from the cast being wrapped in newspaper either before the protective coating had dried, or due to changing relative humidity while the cast was in storage. A triangle shaped indentation is present on the centre of the crown of the skull.

The skull cast was transferred to the McManus Museum in Dundee from the Watt Institute in 1867. The Watt Institute was an institute in phrenology. Phrenology is the study of the shape on the skull and its effect on personality. Phrenology is now considered a pseudoscience, due to its use of stereotyping and lack of empirical evidence for its theories. However, some of the original phrenology theories were used to develop theories still in use in psychology today, including some misconceptions regarding race and disability. Therefore, it is important this history be preserved to ensure the route of these misconceptions is revealed and not repeated. Prior to conservation, the skull was severely discoloured due to dirt, dust, and salt blooms on its surface. Previous conservation attempts had left large areas of dark paint and overfilled plaster which were visible after cleaning. These were corrected using colour-matching, sanding and any cracks were filled to consolidate the structure of the object.

Behind the Scenes

Front view of skull cast prior to conservation. White bloom can be seen over the surface of cast, and the surface is discoloured to a dark brown colour. The skull sits next to a paper scale.
Plaster cast skull prior to conservation treatment.
Left side view of dark brown coloured skull cast with white blooms and lighter deteriorated areas over surface. Scale is present at bottom right hand side.
Back of plaster cast skull.
Left side view of dark brown coloured skull cast with white blooms and lighter deteriorated areas over surface. Scale is present at bottom right hand side.
Left side of plaster cast skull.
Raking light image of crown of skull, to show triangular indentation in centre. Skull is dark brown in colour with white blooms on surface.
Triangular indentation in the centre of the crown.

The conservator who treated this object is Connie, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise. 

Connie, a white woman in her early 20s with long black hair and a fringe. She is smiling to the left of the camera and wearing a black vest top. The photo is in black and white.

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