Human Hair Harp
Making shrines and jewellery out of human hair was already a hot hobby in the Victorian age. Exchanging locks of hair with your friend, family member, or lover was as common an act of affection as, say, liking a pal’s Instagram pic today. Even Napoleon got in on the trend, and requested that his hair be woven into bracelets for his relatives to remember him after his passing. Families would go to great lengths to have craftspeople make up intricate scenes paying homage to their kin, creating heirlooms for generations to come.
This harp is made of human hair from Jennie Whitaker (Claire Gorsline's mother) in the late 1880's and has been encased in a gold metal frame.
Donor: Mrs. Claire Whitaker Gorsline
Adopted by:
Making shrines and jewellery out of human hair was already a hot hobby in the Victorian age. Exchanging locks of hair with your friend, family member, or lover was as common an act of affection as, say, liking a pal’s Instagram pic today. Even Napoleon got in on the trend, and requested that his hair be woven into bracelets for his relatives to remember him after his passing. Families would go to great lengths to have craftspeople make up intricate scenes paying homage to their kin, creating heirlooms for generations to come.
This harp is made of human hair from Jennie Whitaker (Claire Gorsline's mother) in the late 1880's and has been encased in a gold metal frame.
Donor: Mrs. Claire Whitaker Gorsline
Adopted by: