In the 19th century, fashioning ornaments from human hair became a popular pastime, particularly for women. The finished piece could serve either a sentimental or memorial function, depending upon whether the hair came from a living or deceased friend or family member. Hairwork took many forms, including jewelry and large wreaths such as this, made by wrapping hair around wire. Hamilton had seven children; therefore, this large piece may represent her entire family, containing the hair of each of its members.
- Titles Hairwork Wreath (Descriptive)
- Artist Probably made by, Anna Josepha Young Hamilton, American, West Point, Mississippi, 1830 - 1885
- Medium human hair and wire
- Dimensions frame: 19 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 3 3/8 in. (49.5 x 49.5 x 8.6 cm)
- Credit Line Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Gift of Mrs. Shirley Anne Allen Stringfellow, AFI.2.2013
- Work Type wreath
- Classification Furnishings and Equipment
- Provenance (Probably) Anna Josepha Young Hamilton (1830-1885), West Point, Mississippi; by descent to her daughter, Anna Josepha Hamilton Terrell (1855 – 1932), West Point, Mississippi; by descent to her daughter, the maker’s granddaughter, Elvira Greenwood Terrell Baird (1880-1951), Columbus, Mississippi; by descent to her daughter, the maker’s great-granddaughter, Dorothy Terrell Baird Allen (1901-1966), Indianola, Mississippi; by descent her son, the maker’s great-great grandson, Robert Julian Allen, Jr. (1924-1973), Indianola, Mississippi; by descent to his daughter, the maker’s great-great-great granddaughter, Shirley Anne Allen Stringfellow (born 1954-), Birmingham, Alabama; by gift, The Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art (March 13, 2013)