Kanekalon hair and braid clamps.
Collaboration with Sam Fresquez
2018
The tassel is a symbol of power and prestige. As a decorative object it has historically been used to embellish garments, and has been worn by priests, monks, and military officers to differentiate hierarchy while simultaneously warding off evil spirits. As a functional object, tassels are used to prevent unraveling. Similarly, we often view our hair as having the ability to hold us together. As young Black and Latina women we have been made aware that there is an expectation that must be met regarding the presentation of our hair. The extent to which hair is maintained can often be read as a reflection of other aspects of life. This work ties together the chronology, wisdom and adornment that is present in the history of both hair and tassels.
Photographed by: Josh Loeser