Shaker Hair Wreath c. 1938

"Shaker Hair Wreath" is a pencil drawing by American artist Helen Bronson, created in 1938. The drawing depicts a intricate design of interlaced loops and knots, likely based on traditional Shaker hair wreaths. These wreaths were a form of craft practiced by the Shaker community, where hair was woven into intricate patterns as a memento mori, reflecting the belief in simplicity and the afterlife. Bronson's drawing showcases the geometric precision and symbolic meaning inherent in Shaker crafts, offering a glimpse into the visual culture of this religious group.