Tightly Woven Hair Jewelry

Knotted Openwork Bracelet, Mid-late 19th century (1981.87.5)

This bracelet is one of the only examples of knotted hair jewelry in the collection. Gum was probably necessary to create this bracelet and minimize fraying. The clasp is a simple, base metal one. Perhaps this bracelet was made by someone that could not afford more expensive jewelry materials; in this piece, the pattern and texture of the hair itself is the only ornament.

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