Images(4)

Sentimental Hairwork Bangle

Date1870-1900

Object NameBangle

Mediumhuman hair and brass (pinchbeck)

ClassificationsJewellery

DimensionsLength Open: 21.5cm
Diameter Closed: 10cm
Width Clasp: 3.1cm

LocationOn Display - Gallery 08

Object numberABDMS082478

Keywords

About MeThis bracelet is created from woven strands of brown human hair, which have been formed into two tightly woven tubes and three larger loose woven tubes. These tubes have then been entwined and fastened with a decorative hollow, three part, hinged brass clasp featuring entwined, engraved initials H S. The hair seems to have been stiffened, possibly with a wax substance.

The notion of keeping a physical memento of a person, dead or alive, is thousands of years old. Using a lock of hair in a remembrance piece has been popular for many centuries. However, pieces of jewellery containing intricate patterns made from hair began to appear during the 17th century.

The craft of hairwork jewellery really took off in the 19th century as the fashion for sentimental jewellery grew.

Hairwork was more commonly worn as a love gesture but could also be worn for mourning if the hair used was that of the deceased.
More About Me

Collections Wall

As intricate and delicate as this piece of jewellery is, does the fact that it is made from woven and braided human hair make you feel slightly uneasy?

Exhibitions

Gallery 08 - Adorning