(1/4) It’s called fashion, look it up. These wig curlers were recovered during the 2011 archaeological excavations at Faneuil Hall. They are made of white ball clay, the same material typically used to create many of the clay tobacco pipes found archaeologically. 
(2/4) While these wig curlers are fragments, whole ones typically measure about 2 inches in length and were often embossed with maker’s marks at the ends. 18th century wigs went through quite a process to achieve the curly-haired look:
(3/4) they were first picked through to remove any debris or critters from the hair, then the hair was wound around the curlers with strips of paper, and the whole wig was then boiled for several hours. After the hair was dry, the wig was then baked in an oven to set the curls.
(4/4) Photo 2 shows examples from @mountvernon of intact curlers, as well as those exhibiting maker’s marks. Artifact Provenience: FHU.002/28/49 #Boston #archaeology #NEHgrant #faneuilhall
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