Collections record Beta

Hair Memento

1972-14-1

The 20 samples of braided hair are mounted in rows on heave cardboard with initials of owner pasted in center of each. The circles of braid each have colored bows fastened to them. The back, also under glass, has a poem in an oval surrounded with gold cutouts and decorated with penmanship drawings. There's a legend which identifies the initials, mostly of the Barber family of Harwinton.

Poem reads: “Why are these tiny rings of hair Placed in a casket here? Who gathered them with loving care, From foreheads that were dear? One, of a severed family Reserves them, as a token Of joys that are, and yet may be, And love-links that are broken. That silver tress whose threads of grey Bespeak a hoary head, Reminds us of a placid face And bringeth back the dead. That sunny curl of golden hue Reveals a childish face; A happy smile, and eyes of blue, And ways of winning grace. Each link in this, our Memory’s chain Some token sweet doth bear; We see the absent face again And smiles, that angels wear. Some, for a stranger’s home have left The land that gave them birth, And some have changed for heavenly bliss The transient joys of earth. A parted band - but though the ties That earth has bound, be broken They shall be clasped beyond the skies Where farewells ne’er are spoken.”

• Barber, Marina

ca. 1850

8" x 10.25"

• glaze
• human hair