Antique Human Hair Art
The fascinating practice of transforming human hair into art is a story that starts from a place of both beauty and sadness
As early as the 17th century, locks of real human hair were used to create intricate designs and patterns. They were often twisted into ornate shapes resembling elements from nature such as flowers, wreaths, or trees. Other popular expressions included hair that was sculpted into bows, added to the inner chambers of lockets, woven into bracelets, or placed with frames.
This art form was particularly popular in the Victorian era, fueled by high infant mortality rates and a “fashion for mourning” ushered in by Queen Victoria following the death of her husband, says Joanna Ebenstein, editor of Death: A Graveside Companion, in an interview with Artsy.
Today, antique human hair art is highly collectible, and pieces can be found in museums and private collections around the world. While it might sound a little macabre at first, the skill and craftsmanship required to create these pieces are truly impressive, and they offer a unique insight into the sentimentality and emotions of these past eras.
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Article References:
The Curious Victorian Tradition of Making Art from Human Hair, by Allison Meier on Artsy
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