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An Iconology of Hair in Medieval Art and Literature

Mike Hayes

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Published in Ambiguous Locks: An Iconology Of Hair In Medieval Art And Literature

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In medieval art and literature, hair was not merely an adornment. It carried profound symbolic meanings, reflecting cultural beliefs about gender, identity, beauty, and spiritual power. This article explores the rich iconography of hair in the Middle Ages, examining its multifaceted symbolism and its role in shaping medieval perceptions of self and society.

Ambiguous Locks: An Iconology of Hair in Medieval Art and Literature

by Roberta Milliken

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Hair as a Marker of Gender

One of the most striking aspects of hair iconography in the Middle Ages was its association with gender. Long, flowing hair was typically attributed to women, while shorter, closely cropped hair was associated with men. This binary division was reinforced through social customs and religious beliefs.

In Christian iconography, long hair symbolized purity, chastity, and virginity. The Virgin Mary was often depicted with flowing, unbound hair, while female saints and martyrs were frequently portrayed with modestly covered heads. In contrast, men were expected to keep their hair short as a sign of virility and strength. Long hair on men was often associated with weakness or effeminacy.

Hair as a Symbol of Beauty

In medieval society, hair was considered a defining feature of physical beauty. Long, lustrous hair was highly prized by both men and women. In art and literature, beautiful women were often described as having golden or silver hair that cascaded down their shoulders. Men, too, valued a thick, full head of hair as a sign of health and vigor.

The cult of hair beauty was particularly evident in courtly literature, where idealized knights and ladies were often depicted with long, flowing locks. In the Arthurian romances, for example, knights vied for the affection of beautiful women whose hair was described in exquisite detail.

Hair as a Source of Spiritual Power

In addition to its gendered and aesthetic associations, hair also played a significant role in medieval religious beliefs. In many cultures, long hair was seen as a source of spiritual power. This belief was particularly prevalent among ascetic hermits and monks, who often wore their hair long as a sign of their renunciation of worldly pleasures.

In Christian iconography, Samson's long hair was a symbol of his superhuman strength. When his hair was cut, his power was diminished. Similarly, the Nazirites, a religious order in ancient Israel, were required to abstain from cutting their hair as a sign of their devotion to God.

Hair as a Symbol of Identity

In medieval society, hair served as a vital marker of identity. Different hairstyles and hair coverings were associated with specific social groups and occupations. For example, nuns and monks often wore their hair shorn or covered with a veil, while married women typically wore their hair covered.

In art and literature, the depiction of hair could reveal important details about a character's status and background. A knight with long, flowing hair, for instance, might be a sign of his noble birth. A woman with her hair uncovered could represent a courtesan or a woman of lower social status.

Hair in Medieval Literature

The iconography of hair found rich expression in medieval literature. In the epic poem "Beowulf," the hero's long hair is described as a symbol of his strength and masculinity. In "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer uses hair to differentiate between his characters, with the knight's "curls as yellow as wax" contrasting with the miller's "beard as black as a coal."

Medieval romance literature, too, is replete with references to hair. In the lais of Marie de France, beautiful women are often described as having long, golden hair that captivates the hearts of their suitors. In the Tristan and Iseult legend, the lovers' hair is entwined in a symbolic gesture of their unbreakable bond.

The iconography of hair in medieval art and literature reveals a rich tapestry of meanings that reflect the cultural beliefs and social dynamics of the period. Hair was not merely an adornment, but a powerful symbol that shaped perceptions of gender, beauty, spirituality, and identity. Through its vielfältig associations, hair played a vital role in constructing the medieval self and in articulating the complexities of medieval society.

Ambiguous Locks: An Iconology of Hair in Medieval Art and Literature

by Roberta Milliken

4.4 out of 5