Whenever we have a tour group at the museum, there’s a collection we are sure to point out. Some visitors find the display interesting. Others might find it a bit strange or even cringe-worthy. That’s because the artifacts in question are hair art – jewelry and artwork made entirely out of human hair.
The practice of having a loved one’s lock of hair has been around for centuries. Sometimes hair was given as a love token. Other times, hair from the deceased was kept as a physical memento, especially in days before photography. As a keepsake, hair is ideal because it doesn’t decay. In fact, some ancient mummies have been found with full heads of hair.
Hair art, or hairwork, was most popular during the Victorian Era which is known for its elaborate mourning rituals inspired by the mourning Queen Victoria displayed after the death of her husband in 1861. Mourning rings and broaches with hair from the deceased were often seen.
While mourning may have sparked a rising interest in hair art during the Victorian Era, it soon became popular and more elaborate in everyday life, with hair coming from living family members or even purchased from strangers. While some pieces could be purchased, many people, primarily women, chose to make their own hairwork. Women’s magazines sometimes included patterns or one could have purchased a copy of Self-Instructor in the Art of Hair Work (1867). You can find digital copies of the book online if you are looking for a new hobby.
Perhaps Sarah (Lund) Nelson referenced the book when she fashioned an elaborate watch fob and chain (seen here) for her husband, Andrew Peter Nelson. A.P. was born in Sweden and came to Minnesota in 1867. He first came to Grove City in 1869 to work on the railroad, and there he remained. When he first came to town, A.P. boarded with Peter J Lund and his family. In 1873, A.P. married Peter’s daughter Anna. She died the following year, leaving behind their newborn son. Then in 1878, A.P. married Anna’s sister Sarah. Sarah is said to have been the first pioneer child born in Acton Township. Sarah made this watch fob for A.P. in the 1880s using her own hair. It was donated to the museum by their daughter, Anna.
While some of the hair items at the museum are wearable such as watch fobs, earrings, and broaches, we also have a number of larger framed hair art. In fact, one of the museum’s pieces measures over three feet across. It’s too large for the current display and is in storage.
Among the hairwork that is on display, flowers and floral wreaths are a common motif. One of the museum’s wreaths has some feather embellishments and another includes hair from multiple people, as evidenced by the blonde and brunette flowers.
So the next time you are at the museum, be sure to take a close look at the hair art and ponder the love and losses each strand might represent.
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