A little something to remember you by

While 19th century British colonials were doing everything within their power to obliterate Aboriginal culture in Australia, Victorians throughout the Empire were engaging in some surprising hair crafts of their own.



Victorians tirelessly sought ways to keep non-working women occupied, and among them was this remarkable activity. Ladies braided, wove, looped and tied the hair of family members and loved ones into elaborate jewelry, keepsakes and tableaux. Large pieces might incorporate the locks of multiple generations into a kind of combination family tree and memento mori.

Here's a link to Missouri cosmetologist's site about her impressive collection of antique hair wreaths.

Here's an annotated genealogical wreath from the collection of the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

You may be surprised to learn that while endangered, this art is not extinct. The Victorian Hair Artists' Guild carries on the craft.