A merkin is a pubic wig, originally worn after shaving the mons pubis, and is used as a decorative or erotic device by both men and women. Historically, merkins date back to the 1450s and were worn primarily by sex workers to cover signs of disease like syphilis or to protect against pubic lice. Women of high society also used them for hygiene reasons before regular bathing was common. Traditionally made from natural fibers such as horsehair, goat hair, or human hair (sometimes taken from corpses), merkins have evolved to be made mostly from lace and human hair today. In modern times, they are often used in the film industry for modesty, historical accuracy, or enhancing the appearance of full-frontal nudity on screen. Famous period films have used merkins to match the styles of the respective eras. They are typically attached by gluing to a nude g-string or directly to the skin with special adhesives. Merkins have also been worn across history for various reasons including hygiene, modesty, and theatrical purposes.