I’ve become totally fascinated with the nearly forgotten art of hair jewelry. During the 19th century it was popular to create memorials out of the hair of departed loved ones, including jewelry and elaborate wreaths. We have quite a few of these pieces in the collection at the museum where I work, which is how I first learned about them. The more I look at them, the more interested I’ve become. I was doing some research yesterday and discovered that there are still others who are trying to preserve this amazing type of folk art. The Victorian Hairwork Society is dedicated to bringing together artists who still do hairwork as well as other people interested in preserving this art. Just take a look at this amazing crown made of human hair that I found on their website:
There’s more info on Victorian mourning practices, including hair art, here, and more images of human hair jewelry from the 19th century can be found here and here.
Also, all the buzz at work lately has been about the new Zulu exhibit which opens this weekend, called Tramps to Kings. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and this amazing exhibit will be up all year in celebration of this legendary Carnival krewe. I’ve been helping to get the costume exhibits ready for it, and there is some really cool stuff to see, I promise! If you’ll be in New Orleans in 2009, you should really come check it out, along with our other Mardi Gras exhibits! There’s more info on the new exhibit here and here.
