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Hair Mourning Brooch
Sentimental Hairwork Brooch
Hair Mourning Brooch
Hair Mourning Brooch

Sentimental Hairwork Brooch

Date1840-1900
Object NameBrooch
Mediumhair, metal
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsLength: 2.7cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2006 by Rosemary Watt.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS076292
About MeSmall rectangular brown plaited human hair and copper brooch. The brooch has an open copper frame design in a rectangular shape with a simple pin fastening at the back. The copper frame is inset with a length of brown plaited hair fixed with small copper bands to the frame.

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.