| Description | This is a gauze face mask, comprised of a central facial covering and four ties. It is double-lined. The central facial covering is made up of two sections of trapezium-shaped gauze, sewn together in the middle to create a pocket for the nose and mouth. At each corner of the central covering is a thin length of fabric used to tie the mask over the practitioner's face. The central facial covering is mostly untarnished, with only small spots of staining and general discoloration from age. The ties are mildly frayed at the ends, with what appear to be rust stains present intermittently. These face masks would have been worn by doctors, nurses, and surgeons during surgeries and procedures to protect themselves and patients from airborne bacteria, particles, and other by-products of those surgeries. |