July
02
/ 2023
Many of us have a fear of mannequins, but their precursors, 17th-century ivory anatomical manikins were even more so. Approximately 100 of these intricate objects exist globally, primarily crafted out of ivory during the late 17th century, with most of them portraying female figures. Their precise purpose remains elusive, yet their allure is undeniable. Stored in institutions like the New York Academy of Medicine, these delicate artifacts offer a captivating glimpse into the mysteries of the human body. While historians speculate that these manikins may have been coveted as status symbols by male physicians, their true significance remains uncertain. One intriguing account narrates how a pregnant woman was guided through the stages of her pregnancy using one of these enigmatic
