Dressed Fleas or Pulgas Vestidas is a folk art form dating to the early 20th century. Fleas would be dressed in costumes to recreate scenes or events.
This form of anthropomorphic taxidermy began in Mexico. Nuns would handcraft these novelty gifts and sell them to aid their convents. As this gained popularity, other women in Mexico would also create them reaching peak popularity in the 1920s.
The Scene
The taxidermized fleas are, as stated, placed in small matchboxes so small they can be pinned using a needle. The most common scenes are two fleas, one dressed as a groom with a smart suit and occasional top hat, and the other as a bride with a dress and veil – but there are other settings created like farmers with tools, villagers, and even more rare fleas in a Mariachi Band.
The Mexican well-dressed fleas are usually no larger than 5mm. It would have taken a steady hand and a magnifying lens to create such intricate work. These small displays give a large impression to those who are lucky to know of their existence due to the eccentricity of the art form.
Similar to the Flea Circus, which showcases miniature displays of a circus environment, where the fleas would then perform, such as pulling a small chariot.
Why Fleas?
The sole reason why fleas were chosen for these displays of showmanship was because of the expertise needed to handle such delicate and small things. The fleas were viewed as objects to prove how capable the makers were. This is why tourists and collectors would want such niche items – they are rare.
As hygiene became a larger topic in the 1900s, Pulgas Vestidas was a dying craft that ceased by the 1930s. The fancy fleas were no longer a wanted commodity and this artform was forgotten in Mexico, and the passing tourists.
Where to Find Dressed Fleas Now
Dressed Fleas can now be found in numerous museums, most notably the Oxford Museum of Natural History. The museum has five sets within its collection, including a Mariachi Band. Other museums like The Art and History Museum in Brussels also proudly have the fleas in their collections.
Dressed Fleas at Auction
Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables | Tuesday 21st May
Viewing times (ID required):
Birmingham
Monday 20th May 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 21st May 08:30 - 10:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know to buy with confidence. Find out more here.
Chloe Hartley | Junior Cataloguer
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