Existing comment:
For centuries, human hair has been incorporated into objects of adornment. Hair jewelry -- rings, pendants, or charms made of or decorated with human hair -- was worn as an intimate token of love or as a memorial of death.
American mourning jewelry evolved during the 18th century, when braided or curled hair was worked into miniatures or minced and mixed into pigments used to create scenes of weeping mourners. Hair became a more conspicuous feature of mourning jewelry by the early 19th century, as elaborate plaits and knots embellished rings, brooches, and pendants that honored lost loves. By mid-century, intricate patterns of hair woven into stylish bracelets, elaborate earring sets, or smart watch fobs became the most intimate way to honor the dearly departed.
The objects displayed here -- drawn exclusively from the New-York Historical Society's collection -- illustrate New Yorkers' embrace of this once fashionable and genteel mourning tradition. |