Umm..Strange request-Your thoughts?

[Squeaky McMurdo]

There is a charity out there (can't remember the name) that takes hair to make wigs for cancer patients. That would probably be the most generous thing to do with it.

Locks of Love.....there was an article about a year ago that talked about how they and other wig companies don't typically use hair from Americans because of all the chemicals and treatments we tend to subject our hair to. Instead, they use donated hair to sell to factories for testing machinery and companies that make mats to soak up oil spills. Then they use the money to buy hair from Europe and Asia, mostly from Russia, Poland, and the Netherlands. So, you're still helping cancer patients, but don't expect a beloved head of hair to end up in a beautiful wig.

So with that in mind, I don't see why someone's long hair can't be made into a piece of art in the form of a sporran.

I've been asked to make a custom sporran for someone who wants to use his wife's recently...

You had me worried for a minute. When I saw that, I thought the next word's were gong to be "Deceased [insert family pet variety here]"


--Chelsea McMurdo--

[Joseph McLaren]

I like it~ Highlandwear lends itself to personal association (it's probably the reason many of us wear the kilt in the first place), and why should the hair of a loved one be a less palatable idea than hair which has spent it's days whisking flies away from a horse's bum?

[ChubRock]

Sounds like a rock's throw from a Shrunken Head Full-Mask Sporran to me, but Joseph McLaren has a point.

[Cynthia]

My concern would be the hair itself as well... I was thinking of how much finer human hair is compared to horse hair. I also have hair past my knees, so I'm familiar with how fragile and easily blown around and tangled it is. I'm also familiar with Victorian hair art, so I have no problem with the thought of using her hair that way -- I think it's sweet.

[Spc. Scott]

Not creepy at all to me.

When I deployed I kept a lock of my wife's hair in a small envelope inside a plastic bag that held everything the army told me I had to carry at all times. ROE cards, shot records and such. I still have it.

[Peter C.]

Not creepy to me either.

Most people have their hair cut and throw it away. I think it is great to put it to some use, and as it is from his wife, it will really have some meaning.

I am amazed that so many people who would like a dead animals head for a sporran find this weird.

I say go for it, it will be really special.

Peter

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I am amazed that so many people who would like a dead animals head for a sporran find this weird.

Yes, we definitely come at this from a different perspective then. Lots of things come to mind, but I think I'll leave it at that.

[WClarkB]

there was a wee lass of Dumphries
whose beau she was wanting to please
she donated her long locks
and knitted him knee socks
which gives him hives and a sneeze



COULD BE WORSE

[Tobus]

I am amazed that so many people who would like a dead animals head for a sporran find this weird.

Oh, I think the difference is night and day. Making clothing out of animals is as old as mankind itself, whether it be a full mask sporran or a lady's patent leather handbag. It is a natural thing for a hunter species, which all of us carry in our genes. It is who we are.

But adorning oneself with a part of another human being has historically been a symbol of a 'war trophy'; a sign of victory over enemies; a mark of ruthlessness. It has historically been worn by those who would rape and pillage and conquer. That also, sadly, is part of our history and is embedded in our genes. But I think that we are genetically programmed to fear or dislike those who would adorn themselves so, and for good reason.

Of course, we all know that the fellow in question isn't Attila the Hun or anything. But it would be unnatural, I think, for the average person to not be taken aback by a human hair sporran, considering what such things usually mean in human history. It's not at all like wearing a part of an animal, which is common in every culture - even the civilized ones.

[Arlen]

Oh, I think the difference is night and day. Making clothing out of animals is as old as mankind itself, whether it be a full mask sporran or a lady's patent leather handbag. It is a natural thing for a hunter species, which all of us carry in our genes. It is who we are.

But adorning oneself with a part of another human being has historically been a symbol of a 'war trophy'; a sign of victory over enemies; a mark of ruthlessness. It has historically been worn by those who would rape and pillage and conquer.

Except in the case of the old Celtic ledgend of Cormac Mac Airt. His mother, Grainne, cut her long hair and wove him a cloak from it which would only fit him and kept him protected.

I think it's wonderfully sweet.


As far as the suggetion to donate the hair to Locks of Love or similar. DON'T They are a scam and under investigation by trading standards/Better business etc.
There are some very, very, very large gaps in the money records. Yes, they do buy hair from Russia, Asia etc but they also sell large quantities of the wigs made from it to private buyers rather than donating them to Cancer patients. They are a very, very dodgy company.