Zen Hansen 8/1/22 Zen Hansen 8/1/22

Human Hair Fishing Line

There are all sorts of technologies I've been researching (from fertilizers, fabrics, and biomedical), but because I am a fly fisherwoman, I also wondered how some of these nearly-lost traditional weaving strategies would have been similarly applied for crafting tools, such as fishing lines.

Zen Hansen 1/17/22 Zen Hansen 1/17/22

Pukara Neck Emblem or Sash - Made with Human Hair From Peru

This is one of the oldest textiles made with human hair found in Peru, South America dated from around the 2nd century B.C. – A.D. 2nd century.

”This textile, of a highly unusual shape, is extremely rare. While attributed to the Pukara tradition, believed to be a precursor of the better-known Tiwanaku culture in the Lake Titicaca area of highland Peru and Bolivia…

Zen Hansen 1/10/22 Zen Hansen 1/10/22

Mystery Hair Curls

Zen Hansen 12/31/21 Zen Hansen 12/31/21

Human Hair Hygrometer

NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES

In the early 1940’s during WWII, it is reported that over 5,000 American women trimmed and donated their long blonde locks as part of a scientific war effort. Human hair being the main material needed to make hygrometers in atmospheric weather transmitters.

Zen Hansen 11/1/21 Zen Hansen 11/1/21

Human Hair - Kiribati Armor

NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES

In 1893 (nearly 130 years ago) reports of a curious artifact was making its rounds in newspapers across the globe. Islander armor made with strands of human hair. An intriguing functional and decorative utility for hair.

Zen Hansen 10/15/21 Zen Hansen 10/15/21

Wire work - gimp.

Here I’m using natural, synthetic, and even horsehair to practice wire wrapping techniques. Also known as gimp work.