More photographs from the husband taken at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center in Thailand. This textile is called Trailak (The Three Characteristics of Existence), 2012. It is woven entirely of hair.
The placard reads:
From his faith towards Dhamma regarding Trailak (The Three Characteristics of existence) that teaches people to consider on truth of impermanence, incompleteness and non-self. This teaching inspired the artist to weave hair that is the symbol of body or impermanence to be created as a mixed media in the form of a pagoda referred to something we should remind and pay respect at all times. The objective of this artwork is to express idea, emotion and feeling obtained from considering corpse that is the mark of death in order to refine our mind from lust and omit wickedness with the aim to do good things and reach pure heart according to Buddha’s teaching.
I am assuming that the weaver used human hair to symbolize impermanence. The pagoda is incredible, with so much detail to give it its shape and ornamentation. It is rather interesting to me how buildings such as churches, temples and other holy places can last for centuries far outliving the humans who built them.
Agujas 
Wow – thats amazing!
Truly an amazing piece. To be able to manage hair in such a way – to control it and weave it – I can only echo the person above – wow. Impermanence indeed.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it. I don’t know how the artist managed to shape the pagoda.
It’s amazingly intricate but I find it a tad creepy!
I thought the same thing. But then I remembered how a co-worker donated her hair to make wigs for women who lost their hair from chemo and I figured if you can do that, you can weave with it!
Wonderful article, love the piece and the story behind it, thanks for sharing.
You are welcome. The kudos really go to my husband who snapped the pictures for me. He figured I would be intrigued.
Wow, beautiful!
Really neat piece of art…but things made with human hair always creep me out a bit. Even yarns that seem a little bit like hair-texture freak me out.
I wonder if it will hold up over time? I saw a picture of sweaters knit from spun dog hair. That made me feel like scratching!!
I know what you mean. Although I’ve touched a few dog hair blankets and they’re actually very soft. Washed, you know, so no dander or saliva. Not very crispy though, so I would imagine the easiest thing would be to blend it with another fiber.
Caityrosey.. I’m also bad with stray hairs floating around, it skeeves me out too. But this piece of art is definitely an incredible piece! Beautifully done.
I like both the thought and talent that went into making it. What a concept to use hair to depict teachings of Buddha. I wonder how the artist collected the hair?
Q – Geeze! Amazing.
Beautiful weaving and all so delicate. Just a delight to the eyes.
It had to be difficult making it. I can’t imagine trying to weave more than a thick braid with my hair.
holy moly!
That’s just amazing!! All made of hair? What a complex work! I would just love to visit Thailand! I would also like to say that I’ve nominated you to the Liebster Blog Award, and I’ve posted the details on my blog. If you’d like to check it out, here is my link: http://knititout.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/liebster-blog-award/
Keep up with the amazing work you do here!
Thanks for sharing !
Thank you Raquel. I would love to visit Thailand too. My husband says it’s beautiful and that everyone is incredibly nice. He has seen quite a bit of poverty. He indulges me by sending yarn-related photos that he knows I will appreciate.
Congratulations on receiving the Liebster Award! Thank you for considering Agujas for this honor.
Fascinating! Thanks for the comment.
When I saw the photo of the tangled yarn, I groaned as I could totally relate.
Wow!! It’s SO intricate. Unbelievable craftsmanship there.
I love the statement about the permanence of our architectural structures versus our own frailty. How true.
And the patience of Job comes to mind…
Thanks for reading.
Absolutely incredible, I’ve never seen anything like that wow!!!
I was also amazed.
Me too. I love sparkles! Thanks for the comment.
I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be grossed out or completely impressed!! That’s a beautiful piece of art!
I know what you mean! I wonder if it’s all one person’s hair of the artist collected hair from various people? What he did with it is amazing though.