Reading Blog #2- Hairwork and biographies

            Helen Sheumaker’s Love Entwined: The Curious History of Hairwork in America examined the ancient practice of hairwork. The art of hairwork in the 19^th century was an important way for many to mourn and remember loved ones that have passed away. Sheumaker took an in depth look at art of hairwork through primary sources as well as secondary sources such as letters, diaries, etc. With hairwork being popular during the Victorian Age in the 19^th Century, it is crucial for the researchers to not only define the action but to also to understand the symbolic meaning behind the hairwork. An important aspect associated with hairwork that Sheumaker spoke about is that the art of hairwork is associated with social class. Hairwork pieces are associated with those who come from middle and upper class families. The craft of hairwork was done by professionals whom many worked out from their home. Middle and Upper class families had the money to pay for these nostalgic hairwork pieces.

            Kenneth Ames article “Meaning in Artifacts: Hall Furnishings in Victorian America” examined the design of the Victorian home and the hallways that were built in these homes. Interestingly enough, it was common for there to be a long hallway with formal rooms located from the hallway. This concept is important to know because it gives a great indication as to how social interactions occurred and how important the hallway was to facilitate these interactions. An interesting piece of furniture that was about was the hallstand, which served its purpose as a coat and hat stand. The hallstand was important in showing visitors the social status of the homeowners, thus if the hallstand had numerous coats and hats on it one would assume that the family is wealthy or is popular and has a lot of visitors. Ames stated that if the hallstand had a mirror, the mirror was another indicator that the family was wealthy.

            Dannehel article spoke about object biographies and why object biographies are important when studying artifacts. As Dannehl states that it is important to understand the background of the object and the history that surrounds the object. Yet, Dannehl stated that it is also important for the researcher to understand the function of the object; how the object was made, how was the object used, if the object was broken how was it fixed. This examination of an artifact gives the everyday objects that were normally overlooked receive more than the face value meaning. Dannehl’s article was a great reading to finish with because it summed up how important it was to not only look at artifacts at face value but take time to look at the object in its everyday function. This gives the researcher a great insight in the social functions of the artifact as well the how the individual used artifacts to help their life function more fluidly.  There is a lot to learn from artifacts that can’t been seen by the naked eye, which a more in-depth understanding of the artifacts gives us a better understanding of the community and social life that was present at the time.  The biography of an object will help me understand my Trosseau dress more and the life of the young woman that wore the dress.