Hairwork

/ˈheə.wɜːk/ noun

Definition

Decorative or artistic work made from human hair, such as jewelry, wreaths, or ornamental pieces popular during the Victorian era.

Etymology

From 'hair' + 'work', a compound dating to the Victorian period. Hairwork became a recognized craft when sentimental Victorians created memorials from the hair of deceased loved ones.

Kelly Says

Victorian hairwork is genuinely creepy by modern standards—grieving families would braid and weave the hair of dead relatives into lockets, rings, and pins as mementos!

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