I am creating a model (in Blender) which I would like to use several different textures (hair, face etc). I read on the panda3d manual that graphics cards have a limit on how many textures per object they can handle. So what should I do? Should I just use one texture image and use different bits of it for the different parts of the model?
The limit applies when there is more than one texture present on the same polygon. When they’re on different parts of the model, it’s OK (though it’s still advisable to limit the total amount).
The usual approach is to merge the different textures of the model into one texture map where possible, as you proposed.