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Leprosarium Collection (models)

Medical models are principally used to demonstrate to medical students the characteristic manifestations of dermatological, venereal and tumorous disorders, along with other diseases such as leprosy. The museum allows anybody to examine these materials, some of them up to a century old.

This model collection is one of the most prominent in the entire Eastern European region. Some of these models were produced in small shops, others industrially, from 1922 till the 1970s, focusing particularly on accurate representations of leprosy and dermatological diseases.

Wax model of a dermal patient’s hand. It is a realistic skin color with visible inflammation. Wrapped in white fabric.

Wax model of a dermal patient’s hand. Diagnosis: epidermophytia, hyperkeratosis. Artist: Arturs Bērnieks (1886–1964). Riga, mid-1920s.

Wax model of a leprosy patient's face. It is a yellowish/greenish skin color with visible growths. Wrapped in white fabric.

Wax model of a leprosy patient. Diagnosis: leontiasis. Artist: Staņislavs Kreics (1909–1992). Talsi Leprosarium, 1947.

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