Renewed Focus

Hi everyone,

So as I posted on Facebook, I have figured out what I'm going to be focusing on for my first project. I will be looking up the tools that were used for hair.

"But Cecily, why not focus on a specific hair style or period?" I hear you ask.

Great question! The answer will take a little bit to explain.

I was at Novice Schola in the Barony of Bergental (my home barony) yesterday. I am making a commitment to myself to get to more Baronial events in my area, because a) less travel time, and b) getting to know people who I can visit more often. I love my friends in Stonemarche, Quintavia, Bridge, and many other baronies and shires, but it is just too far away.

Back on track... While I was there I went to a round table on peerage. While we went around introducing ourselves, I mentioned that I was interesting in finding a peer, and that I want to do research on hair. Master Ernst immediately had me talk to the current Arts and Sciences Champion of the East, Raziya bist Rusa. We chatted for a good half an hour after the panel about getting started with research and how important it is to try to find primary sources.

Let's break that down.

A primary source is the thing that actually existed in period. For example, clothing that was recovered at an archaeology dig; actual manuscripts that were written in period, pottery that can be traced back to x date.

A secondary source is a depiction of the original thing. A portrait is a secondary source of a person's clothing, hairstyle, accessories, etc.

So, unless remains are impeccably embalmed and preserved, I'm not likely to find a primary source for hairstyles. However... combs, hair pins, hair accessories... those would stand the test of time a bit better and I have already found some pictures of artifacts somewhere. I just have to look up the source again.

Today, I signed up for my Boston Public Library Card. Tomorrow I'm going to try to get one for my local library as well. Once I get through all the mundane stuff I have scheduled tomorrow, I'm going to be doing some preliminary searches for hair items.

The moral of the story is that if I go to events (particularly scholas) and get over my shyness to connect with people, I will likely get some ideas on resources that I have available to me.