Remembering the Dead Through Jewelry: Memento Mori and Hairwork

14ky Victorian Seed Pearl Portrait Brooch

Humanity has had a longstanding fascination with death throughout the ages; we see its many depictions in music, literature, art, festivals, and so much more. Death is the common throughline that many claim is the ultimate human experience. It comes for everyone, regardless of social, political, or economic standing.

10ky Vintage Estate Mourning Hair Brooch

Memento mori refers to an object that serves as a reminder of death; the Latin phrase essentially translates to “remember (that you have) to die”. Memento mori objects can be anything from household items to portraits of the dead to jewelry. When we look specifically at memento mori jewelry, this can take many forms, including brooches with the dead painted on them, lockets with the photo of a loved one, or miniature “urns” that hold cremated remains that can be worn on a necklace. One of the more fascinating forms that memento mori jewelry can take is in the form of hairwork.

Estate Fontain Watch with Hairwork Strap

Hairwork is the art of weaving hair, usually taken from a loved one who had passed. Hairwork in jewelry has shown up as rings, encased in brooches, or even used as a necklace or pocket watch fob. This craft has been around for centuries, but this particular form of memento mori jewelry really gained popularity during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria popularized many mourning practices during this time, and this included the wearing of jewelry made out of human hair. Unlike other parts of the human body, hair is one of the few remains that does not decay quickly, allowing it to last for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

If the concept of hairwork and other reminders of death fascinates you, feel free to stop in our store to view our limited time memento mori collection!