Human Hair Fishing Line
Art, History Zen Hansen Art, History Zen Hansen

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.

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

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…

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Human Hair Hygrometer
Science, History Zen Hansen Science, History Zen Hansen

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.

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Human Hair - Kiribati Armor
Culture, History Zen Hansen Culture, History Zen Hansen

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.

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