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Pocket watch chain ...

... made out of human hairs.

Camera details
Camera: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact mobile phone F5321
Exposure: 1/32 sec.
Aperture: f/2.0
ISO: 160
Focal Length: 4.2 mm (28 mm equivalent digitally zoomed 1.3 times, which then turns it to ~35 mm equivalent)
Lens: Clip-on macro lens (magnifying glass).
Editing: Snapseed & PicMonkey

Overview and background
This pocket watch and chain for it I have inherited. Unfortunately I do not know to whom exactly they belong to, and who's hairs has been used. When searching more on this subject, I discovered this chain design has been typical only around here in Finland (and maybe also in Russia and Sweden). Web pages written in English usually refers to somewhat different chain design, which seem to be used especially when mourning a dead family member*. This made me think that in "good old times" people had much grander and more profound approach to life in general. They mourned more visually and longer when it comes to social signs and traditions. And people also paid a lot of attention on details.

Pocket watch chain Pocket watch chain ...

*UPDATE: Although, this morning I found a page where it is said the pocket watch chains made out of hairs were not used only when mourning someone. It was more like a gesture of love. A woman could make a chain out of her hairs to give it to the man she loves deeply:
www.mercurynews.com/2010/06/21/whats-it-worth-watch-chain-made-of-hair

And soon after even that became commercial... =/
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29 comments

Valfal said:

What a beautiful item they made out of hair! Thank you for sharing the history behind this special watch chain, Sami; stunning macro capture!
6 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Valfal:

Thank you, Val.
6 years ago ( translate )

Xata said:

This is very touching and reflects the diference with now and explains why older people (I include myself) don't feel so comfortable with actual disposable values...
In my country we still mourn the old way, well... in small villages and with ancient people, the young one dont give a damm about it for most of them.
6 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Xata:

Obrigado, Isabel. Sometimes the old ways can be seen very formal and obligatory, but as traditions they also provide stability and consolation.
6 years ago

Chrissy said:

WOW, was für ein Schmuckstück!
6 years ago ( translate )

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Chrissy:

Danke schön, Chrissy =) No practical use these days, but a treasure to keep it is.
6 years ago

Xata replied to Sami Serola (inactiv…:

So true...
6 years ago

neira-Dan said:

Très jolie tresse , originale et bien captée; c'est stupéfiant de savoir que ce sont des cheveux humains ; une tradition touchante , comme garder une boucle de cheveux de ses ancêtres ou d'une personne aimée
6 years ago ( translate )

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to neira-Dan:

Merci beaucoup, Dan.
6 years ago ( translate )

Percy Schramm said:

Great and beautiful shots - with much of history in the background. Well done, Sami !
6 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Percy Schramm:

Thank you, Percy.
6 years ago

Erika+Manfred said:

Great memory!
Also a great photo
6 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Erika+Manfred:

Thank you, Erika.
6 years ago ( translate )

Marie-claire Gallet said:

WOW, a very moving and beautiful memory, Sami !!! HMM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Marie-claire Gallet:

Thank you, Marie-claire.
6 years ago ( translate )