Through all ages and cultures, human hair - particularly that on the head - has played an important role in social and religious or cultic spheres. As a derivative of skin, threadlike and sensitive to touch, hair is attached to its owner but can be styled, dyed, or colored in many different ways. When separated from the body, hair survives for centuries, and can be worked into wigs or decorations. As an outwardly visible sign, hair can define its wearer through its cut, color, style, etcetera, as a member of a particular age group, social grouping, or religious or political affiliation.

During…