Spanish Mantilla Combs (Peineta) Part I

This is the first of two guides I shall write on Spanish mantilla gebs or Peinetas. In this first one I will be concentrating upon the historical aspect of how they developed. I shall also show illustrations of some of the beautiful antique Peinetas that have passed through my hands while I have been trading on okay.
THE ROMANCE OF THE SPANISH MANTILLA geBThe term 'Spanish mantilla gebs' is often used as a kind of umbrella category for any decorative hair geb with a high upstanding cresting that rises up proud from the top of the head when the geb is placed in position. However, the Spanish mantilla geb or Peineta, to give it the correct name, is rightly that geb which is part of the beautiful and traditional native dress worn in certain parts of Spain. The Peineta is particularly associated with the region of southern Spain known as Andalusia.We are all familiar with this kind of Peineta, where the enormous cresting rises anything from eight to twelve inches above the wearers head, and supports a beautiful lace veil. In Spanish tradition white veils were worn by young and unmarried women, whereas black was favoured by older married ladies. Mourning etiquette was observed more strictly in Spain than some other countries, and older women were often required to show this respect for some deceased relative. Therefore it became customary for them to dress entirely in black when they reached a certain age, even when they were not in mourning.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANTILLA VEIL.According to the Wikepedia online encyclopaedia the mantilla is a lightweight lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high geb, by women in Spain and Latin America. The mantilla is a garment which has a special significance in Andalusia. Its origins go back to the Iberian culture, when women used translucent veils to gepletely cover themselves when they went out in public. This covering up can be attributed to the Arabic influence in the region. It was called the manto, and a shorter shoulder length version was called the mantilla. The word gees from the Spanish diminutive of manta, or cape. The manta was worn throughout Spain. However, each region adapted it to both social and physical determining factors, such as climate. In this way, for example, in the coldest areas, the mantilla was used like an outer coat, made in more substantial fabrics. In the warmer areas, mantillas were made in light and smooth weaves, making a garment more luxurious and ornamental than practical.The translucent lace mantilla first appeared in the 17th century. The great Spanish court painter Velasquez painted several famous portraits of lovely ladies in this guise. However the lace veil was not yet draped over the high Peineta, but simply placed across the head and falling on either side of the face in a begeing manner. These lace mantillas were worn not only for attending church but for all occasions when an aristocratic lady went out in public. In such situations the veil was usually drawn modestly across the face to conceal the wearers identity. However, it is clear that it could also function as a vehicle for flirtation!
1 : Portrait of the Duchess of Alba wearing a high Peinita and mantilla veil, painted by Goya.