Palaeolithic Hair-net Experiment

[@gregaldworth1200]

I remain amazed at your abilities with natural fibres; equally amazing to think that 25,000 years or so ago, a woman might have made a net just as you did for herself, her daughter or another girl or women and yet another person thought it significant enough to spend the time to capture her image with a piece of ivory and stone tools.

[@melissamenchaca9121]

Hopefully this will be graced by the KZbin algorithm soon. It’s utterly fascinating

[@karenramnath9993]

Commenting to boost the algorithm! 😄👍🏻

[@Hope-un5wv]

It turned out to be really pretty. Perfect for keeping your hair from falling over your eyes, especially in summer time.

[@SallyPointer]

My crazy hair needs all the help it can get!

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

the fact that it turned out so pretty makes me thing even more that it could be a net, just because it looks so good that it makes sense for it to be a style

[@Witchydigit]

Might be because I work food service, but the first glimpse of the bust had my brain saying "ah, yes, an ancient hair net, obviously." Could it not be a softer netting that's meant to encapsulate the hair and keep it out of the way while, say, cooking or cleaning? Keeps hair out of the food, as well as out of the fire, sincewe all know long hair and open flame don't mix very well. And generally up not in danger of falling into any mucky business tending to anything else. Love the information on the channel, by the way. Exactly the kinds of things I'm interested in, in a practical sense.

[@EKA201-j7f]

That is the way I had always interpreted that artifact. Just right!

[@didelphimorphia2925]

I think people were so ingenious, from the get go. From the earliest time.

[@ThePhantazmya]

I definitely read it as some sort of headdress because of the way the lines converge on the crown. I think if it were braids the lines would be continuous from the forehead all the down the back of the head. As it is I see the headdress made of 2 main parts, a sort of shell shaped bit that sits on the top of the head and then a curtain that hangs down from the edge of the top portion. I can imagine it decorated with shells or other beads and maybe tassels of wool or feathers to give it weight, movement, and color. Of course that is only my imagination without any sort of evidence.

[@SallyPointer]

Compare the Brassempouy figurine to the chalk Renancourt carving, a broadly similar mesh on the head there too.

[@ragnkja]

The even weight of the lines and the round part at the back make me read this as a hairnet as well. While it is possible for cornrows to be done in a similar way, it would be far more natural to represent that with the lines in one direction being much heavier and more defined than the perpendicular lines.

[@gaylereid8264]

@@ragnkja Great idea!! The contrasting rows would be gorgeous!!!

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

that what I thought too, unless the artist was making a style choice to just do straight lines as a certain style and 'cartoony' kind of look

[@OhSoUnicornly]

I think it's worth remembering the scale of the piece - it's very small, so it's really about how it looks from far away. Looking at the side-on view, you can see that the downwards lines *are* much heavier than the perpendicular ones - it really looks like individual, separate strands with occasional lines across it, and even slight flares at the bottom. The top part is very interesting though as it doesn't really fit in the same way.

[@janetseager4069]

As you I putting this together I am reminded of the snood, which probably had many names, that was used to contain women's hair down the ages The design connection appears quite strong

[@cathjj840]

I got to see the original in St. Germain en Laye. When you go to the museum there, normally you only get to see a copy. But I was part of a group that was allowed into the locked, private room where the finder's collections were kept in their 19th C. display cases. In art history classes I saw full-page images of the Venus and thought it was a bust, not having paid attention to its dimensions. But in fact, it is very tiny, smaller than a golf ball. I can imagine it being cradled lovingly in the palm of a hand, and put into a small pouch when heading off to the next encampment.

[@dianesmigelski5804]

What kind of material is the piece made out of? I was thinking mammoth ivory(??).

[@theredtower1334]

Nice to see I'm not the only one who measures in hand spans, thumbs and joints. 😄

[@varde42]

Fascinating :) I'm again amazed how You can go from something that looks like handful of hay, to a wearable, functional piece of garment.

[@audreydeneui192]

The technique of adding in more fiber to the twisted cord, especially when starting the cross rows to make the squares, reminds me a bit of making zig-zaggy gum wrapper chains in elementary school.

[@claesfranzen1382]

I love your use of natural fibres. I was using nettle fiber to make small cordage this fall with my 6 year olds st work. Som stinging was to be had, but nevertheless a fun project for kids to see where "we all started". So now they keep talking about how we can use forest "string". Whenever we find ourselves needing rope or string. Great job and awesome tutorials.

[@kayjay2588]

Wondering if some bees wax or rendered fat/oil could be part of the process? Either used on work-weary hands and fingers, or directly on the fibers to create a smooth finish to make the twists easier? Really enjoy your tutorials and the softness of your voice. I'm in US and adding, creating native garden, agricultural permaculture of useful plants. Definitely going to try the cordage making. It will keep my hands out of the chips bowl!!

[@karenbailey1475]

So fascinating, I had thought they were braids, but after reading the comments and looking at your finished net, I can see how it could be a net. Thank you for sharing.

[@SallyPointer]

It could be either way, but it's fun to explore the possibilities

[@lspthrattan]

Honestly, I'm still in the "braided hair" camp rather than the "woven head covering" camp, but its' still fascinating to see how someone might have woven a net so early in our history (whether for hair or any other purpose) from fibre fairly quickly using only hands for tools. Lovely work. Maybe make a similar skirt to go with it?

[@francisfischer7620]

I've loved that sculpture for YEARS!!

[@thelogan4641]

@Sally Pointer According to Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Brassempouy At least one of the drawings is by an artist named Libor Balák.

[@bella-bee]

I’m looking at the nettles at the bottom of the garden in a whole new light!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

I can see how it's working out...but all those ends would have me in Bedlam in half an hour! Lol! And I'm in Newfoundland! Maybe I'll crochet one out of acrylic! Hahaha!

[@jsa-z1722]

This is beautiful! Made from nettles… you’ve done an amazing job, Sally.

[@AllkindMindToMind]

What I love best is that it brings the original alive! I’ve always wanted to connect with my foremothers in herbalism, and this hand and heart knowledge of plant use feels like that. Thank you so much, for your patience and exploration.

[@grannysue7828]

This head-dress reminds me of a period re-enactment on film, where the bride wore a similar item made with gold wire and gold beads at the junctions. Fascinating!

[@bonniehyden962]

I've only just found you today, Sally. ...and I'm fascinated! Since I was a child I might find myself trying to weave or braid pieces of limber bark or pine needles or small vines or whatever! Just playing around in idle moments. Now, you are showing me that I was almost on to something! I've only recently discovered that the pesky "weeds" (nettles) that plague our E. Texas property...and that I desperately wanted to eradicate...are super nutritious. Now...you have shown me yet another use for nettles! What we call stinging nettles (or horse nettles) don't seem to grow nearly as tall as yours: maybe 8-12". The tallest nettle we have is what we call Bull Nettles. The stalk is much bigger in diameter (3/4"-1") but I've seen them grow 2-3 feet tall. Is there a possibility those could be used for fibers, too? ...or am I going to have to experiment with those on my own? lol

[@SallyPointer]

Most types of nettle are good for fibre, the main thing that varies geographically is the best time to pick. Have a lovely time trying yours out and seeing what works well in your area!

[@pathume1811]

Wonderful lovely job yes i can see a lady of yore wearing something like that thankyou

[@EtherealOde]

Nettles are delicious! They make a nutritious tea, as well as using them as cooking greens in soups, fried up with eggs, etc. In the spring, they used to highly desirable for their vitamins and mineral content, and the surprising amount of protein. The little leaves and the tops don't sting, even though it looks as if they would. Once wilted, the true stingers will no longer have any effect. The easiest way to gather them is with kitchen shears, snip the leaves off into a basket. Once they go to seed you can harvest the stalks, and for that I would use gloves just to make it all go faster. If you have a nice thick patch, use a hedge trimmer! Gather them into bungles and tie the ends with twine to hang and dry. So lucky to have a nice patch close by, I live in a city and they are always sprayed/ Sadface, sadface.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

The hairnet reminded me of Macrame...so I looked at some of my Macrame books...and it actually kinda make sense...not just hair nets ...I mean even shirts and skirts could be made and even looked like ceremonial wear....

[@onegreenev]

As usual, amazing work. While I was watching I had a thought of a head piece with shells interwoven within the openings. So collect a bunch of shells similar in size that would fit within all the openings. Drill two holes on each side near the narrow end of the shell large enough to string through the nettle then continue interweaving until all the shells are placed. I think it would look fabulous. End result would be a shell cap. :)

[@SallyPointer]

Love that idea! There are palaeolithic burials with beads in the region of the head, I'm going to have a go at interpreting something like that one of these days.

[@charlenejandik6587]

photos please!!

[@EtherealOde]

I was thinking of shells and beads too! Only not as decorative as you did. So clever. ^_^ I was thinking of just at the ends as a way to hold the knots and add a little weight. to keep it hanging straighter. Another thing the paleo peoples may have used to make cordage might have been the naturally shed coats of hair animals (vs wool) such as mastadon hair, or hair sheep? Is there any research on that possibility?

[@francisfischer7620]

What a beautiful image.

[@Mommamacnz]

This was super interesting to watch and the finished net was really pretty - far prettier than I ever thought nettles could be. I can also see a fancier one done with feathers, shells and flowers woven into it.

[@kindafoggy]

The carving almost has a quilted, puffy look to the squares in the plaits. If it were plaited/interwoven with strips of rabbit fur would have that puffy look and give it a more practical winter headdress application.

[@ameliamg9549]

it makes sense that in the late 19th century they'd interpret this as a net, since it was so expected for women to cover their heads when going out, and had been for basically centuries! i'm in the braid camp, but i love this exploration.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Is it possible that the crosshatched pattern on the Venus was exaggerated in order to emphasize that she was indeed wearing something, and that the actual structure was much finer and more fabric-like, more like the linen caps and hoods of the middle ages?

[@jurkoot]

I've just discovered this channel a week ago and I'm very excited with the informative videos! It's easy to imagine our ancestors working like this. For a long time, I've been thinking about making some cordage out of nettle fibres. Your videos gave me the confidence to process my first bunch of nettles a few days ago and soon I'll be making my first locally grown cordage! 😄 Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

how do they know its a woman and not a man I wonder... it seems like it could be just an assumption because of the lack of beard and the long hair, but men could look similarly, especially young men. Great job! it looks amazing

[@SallyPointer]

Always a valuable question to ask

[@tmo.48]

What an interesting delightful video. What a beautiful thing you did with the nettles.

[@dulcerolindeaux9700]

I didn't initially interpret this as a hairnet. It probably wasn't my first thought because of my cultural perspective, but the crown of the head convinces me that a net might be the right answer. I have done and had lots of cornrow braids in my life so I know they don't tend to taper at the crown of the head, at least not in modern times. This would have been handy for keeping hair out of the face!

[@SallyPointer]

I really appreciate that perspective. I'll never pretend this is going to be a perfect interpretation, but we learn a lot by trying different approaches

[@sandraanderson217]

That is amazing! I’m crafty but would never have thought to add the cross pieces while rolling the cordage! I am definitely going to give this a try! This will be much stronger than knotting pieces together! ❤️

[@TealCheetah]

Interesting interpretation!

[@suzinakuhinja]

Super video,hvala prijatelju.Veliki pozdrav 💓💓💖💖

[@Rozewolf]

This was fascinating. Only thought I had is that instead of tying knots, they might have twisted the cord around the bottom, connecting all the pieces in a basket weaving style. When you make a basket, at the top, you lay over and braid all the 'strands' together to form a smooth edge.

[@kimbernimue7721]

I swear, I could watch you twist twine all day

[@hannahtv7097]

Good morning What a wonderful video I'm happy to meet a good friend Have a nice weekend

[@zoe1972]

I love the way it turned out. Looks so great over your hair.

[@JennCampbell]

My idea: start the last row from left front and right front as before. At cross points, twist and cross once on vertical cord and horizontal cord. Lay 1 vertical leg on each horizontal leg. Continue cordage to next cross point. Link in back, and hide ends by tucking into cord from inside (like weaving in ends for knit and crochet projects). 😊

[@grammacilleturner7134]

Very interesting. I don't think there is a way to know if you got it right or wrong. I don't think it matters. I think you did a great job with it.

[@wendyhutchins945]

Looks absolutely gorgeous on you. Just found your channel. Bingeing…. :)

[@TheEmbrio]

It looks great on your head with natural hair. Looks a bit rough when working on on the dummy. Goes to show these things were thought of too wear not in a museum ;) impressive really. And 8 hours of work, seems reasonable for long boring waiting times or winter work or summer when nature is so generous you have free time because foraging is ’quick work’ !

[@wodentoad1]

I'm watching this while doing some Nalbinding, which I first learned best from watching your videos. This is amazing!

[@demonokron]

Wonderful crafting and exploring archaeology

[@esthermarcen7587]

wow, I am so impressed, beautiful.

[@katrussell6819]

Great work! I am sure a woman of the period would love it! Let's see more experiments like this.

[@heatherinparis]

Correctly interpretted or not Sally this has turned out to be a lovely accessory. Once I saw it covering your hair I started wondering if it was actually a bag originally (shower cap shaped) into which a woman bundled the long ends of her hair to keep it contained. Very much like a snood but not stretchy. Since the little head is damaged perhaps the bottom edge of the cap is missing.

[@foodruraltv]

Hello, good video friend, thank you for sharing, I’m new friend here

[@wendykilkelly1154]

You so clever! I don't know how you are keeping track of all the strands!!!! Brilliant!

[@AreHan1991]

I love your videos, and you are such a sweet person, always with a little smile! You are also very good at explaining things without using intellectual words, despite you being an academic 👍🏾

[@SallyPointer]

Thank you!

[@scottcooper8755]

I like. Would like to try with modern materials. I have plenty of those on hand.

[@wudgee]

That’s a great video. Picked some nettles today, but won’t do this yet, still learning. The hairnet seems totally authentic and beautiful. Thank you.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

That's absolutely gorgeous!!!!!

[@esmecat]

as always, a wonderful little journey to brighten my day. thank you for bringing me along

[@judithhope8970]

It's so sweet. Well done, it seemed quite fiddly to make.

[@sarahjarden8306]

Very interesting and you've done a great job. I look forward to the next one. Really amazing what can be done with nettles!

[@dianesmigelski5804]

I love your project! I think it came out very well for a first go. Adding longer cordage on the ends would help make up for not having the size you wanted. The long strands would give the impression of a nice finished look. I would finish the long cordage with either a knot at the end or a decorative wood or bone bead. Plaits would look beautiful also. You could use many things in the cordage as decoration! I’m not up to this step yet, but I am looking forward to trying it. 😊

[@SallyPointer]

I did add an extra row in the end, it sorted it out nicely

[@milnespetchristo1882]

Thank you, Sally, beautifully explained, as per usual, you always make one feel welcome and actually there. Things that goes through one's mind, you verbalise. I love listening to you. You make these complicated things seem possible. Thank you again.

[@craigmooring2091]

I think that the hairnet interpretation resembles the original more closely than a complex braid interpretation based on the views presented in the article you showed. You have certainly shown that it is plausible. While the net pattern is more cleanly geometrical on the artifact, the whole piece is very stylized so I don't the roughness of the geometry of your net is significant.

[@janny7120]

Looks brilliant 👏

[@alisn.7998]

Delightful, Sally. I think the little head is wearing this. How else would long hair (if they kept it long) be held back. No elastic bands, and otherwise, a bit of nettle string as a tie back would simply slip off. The net is perfect.

[@littleredhairedgirlsteph3922]

Beautiful!

[@AlisonHazelArt]

So interesting. Thank you. 👍🏻

[@karenselway836]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Inspired to have a go. Might try it with flax as I have some to hand. Thankyou.

[@SallyPointer]

Flax would make a lovely supple one with well behaved smooth cordage! I think my next one will be in line bast, but flax tempts me too!

[@magnoliaweathershield443]

I hope you don’t mind me mentioning this, Sally, but should your message say ‘lime bast’, rather than ‘line bast’? Thank you for another very interesting video. The depth of your knowledge and your skills are very impressive. As a former mechanical engineer, I remember the phrase ‘rough enough is tough enough’ being used a lot, meaning that the least degree of precision that is effective is the right degree of precision for any job, so I think your approach to the project is very much in keeping with that!

[@SallyPointer]

@@magnoliaweathershield443 yes, dratted autocarrot! It's endlessly changing words on me, well spotted!

[@magnoliaweathershield443]

@@SallyPointer incredibly irritating, isn’t it?

[@Skyspiders]

Oh my goodness I LOVE this. I'm off to try it straight away with every scrap of whatever I can find laying around thank you so much for again sharing something so wonderful and lovely with us.

[@kimjacobsen8916]

Would look cool with beads from short lengths of hollow bird bone threaded on as the twining proceeds maybe!

[@SallyPointer]

Love this idea, may well give that a try!

[@ZebaKnight]

I'm not qualified to comment (I'm not a paleontologist, I even had to check my spelling of that word). As an artist, I wonder if this isn't a sort of "quilted" garment. The sculptor made a realistic image, so I accept that the little squares/rectangles are _raised_. Could this be a hood created out of a short-fir pelt or pelts held in place or ornamented with fiber strips? Could it be an early version of a quilted "puffy" hood made with two pelts stuffed with fur and sewn together in the pattern shown? This certainly is an advanced-looking piece, in terms of craft, fashion, and practicality if it is a warm hood. (To my eye, the sculpture does not appear to show the figure's true hair.) I've watched three of your videos now. I really enjoy them, and I learn a lot. Thank you.

[@karenramnath9993]

Ooohh! Interesting hypothesis! 🤔👍🏻

[@tmo.48]

It all seems too close to the skull to have been puffy.

[@Greatoraint]

Actually doesn't look bad when worn. I was dubious about the fashion value, and granted I have no idea what they would've considered to be pretty back then, but yeah; nicely made and nicely worn. A while back I made a length of cord out of regular old Florida grass. I used these stems that the grass uses to seed. They these tall single-strand stems so not bad for not really hunting for fibrpus material. I corded it without drying or anything, and I will say it shrunk and loosened the next day but even so it was pretty decent strength. Stellar strength by folding it in half and reverse cording it. Like I could put the sort of tension where my wrists sorta shook and the cord made a nice "thrum" sound. I'm sure if you had enough grass cord, maybe quadruple corded instead of double like I did, you could use it to dock a tiny boat or something. Not bad.

[@cristinalattuada5322]

You’re so clever and you have so much patience, lovely and interesting. Thank you

[@nancyfrey454]

Fantastic work...very inspirational to me to start cordage work. Thank you.

[@karenradcliff9163]

Did you get the sense that it would stay on? Did it cling to your hair/head like a close-fitting hat, or did it feel as though it would fall off? I really enjoyed this one, thank you!

[@SallyPointer]

So far so good with staying on, the bit of extra depth and length on the next one will help even more

[@karenradcliff9163]

@@SallyPointer Thank you! If it occurs to you to report an update after you finish the second one, I'd be glad of it.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I think she wore what you made. And I believe she did so for the same reason we would wear a hair net. Imagine her outdoor and the winds coming from behind or from changing directions. She wouldn't want to have her long (wet) hair beating against her face. Such a cover made from nettles would hold her hair in place or at least out of her face, so she can concentrate on the world around her.

[@francisfischer7620]

Could they have covered for modesty sake? I believe so.

[@cindyholton7234]

Thanks Sally, this was very interesting. It very much reminded me of a coif once you were wearing it!

[@redders6858]

I’ve only just found you and I love what I’ve watched so far. I love both the braids and hood idea, both would be practical for the time and both could be adorned for beauty. I think I’m going to have a go at making the hood as I think it’s rather beautiful.

[@Aestheticweasel]

Hello, if you'd be interested in paleolithic era fiber technologies, the Pavlov/Dolní Věstonice site from the gravettien period has some imprints of woven fibers on display. Not sure how well known these are in the wider world, but I'm sure a specialist like you could find out more out of them than me :-)

[@SallyPointer]

Yes indeed, I'm aware of the finds from the region, absolutely fascinating

[@maggieadams8600]

I think it turned out well and you looked brilliant in it, you really looked the part, thanks for sharing all ofn your know how!

[@SallyPointer]

Thank you

[@willynthepoorboys2]

Thank you for the video.

[@jodyjohnsen]

I have always wondered how people with curly, thick hair controlled it before technology. As an owner of such a head I would absolutely wear something like this rather than tie it up in tight braids, which hurts after a few days. This is also preferable to fabric or skin covering in warm weather because thick hair is hot, hot, hot! It looks almost as if she has woven the covering right into her hair on the sides. I wonder….

[@tmo.48]

To me it looks like her natural hair was given some long twists and the hair net seems to have enough girth to lay over and hold them in place. Just beautiful

[@michellepernula872]

That's an awesome talent. Probably used to catch fish and she wore it to keep her hair from flying while riding horse, carriage, chariot or hold cloth over her head then this fish net. Maybe she wore them as hose?

[@tedmacat]

How cool! I think it turned out very nicely. 🤩

[@darciemerriweather1206]

Fantastic. Love this❤

[@TheGabygael]

The braids don't seem to move right and the net seems to lose a bit of thzt dimension i'm wondering if it could be some type of pleated veils( maybe the top square could represent some type of smocked pattern or maybe a netted overlay)or perhaps the net was bigger and softer than what is presented and beads at the bottom would creathat depth

[@stephengarrett8076]

Is it functional? If it is then possible its right ? Outstanding vid !!!

[@petertammer9846]

Thank you very much, this carving has puzzled me for many years. My original thoughts were some sort of braiding, but now I feel you have made it very clear that it was probably a sort of hairnet or head dress... and of course it raises many questions as to how long such cordage had been going on before 25,000 years ago, including other uses of the craft such as basketry and fish traps. And which came first, the practical application or the ornamental? Also amazed at how much work would be required to get it right, how much practice... and I agree totally with Greg Aldworth about the carver recording this woman and her head dress with such skill, on such a small scale with just a flint knife, like a thumb sized scalpel. Wonderful! Many thanks!

[@catrionahenderson7759]

I really enjoyed this. Thankyou for shareing.

[@darktrifles]

love the way it looks and what fun

[@CherylHarpercompulsivespinner]

Wonderful job.

[@juliem.679]

Fascinating work! I wonder how such a light-weight hairnet would have been secured to the head. Long pin woven between the hair and the netting, perhaps, or decorative stone beads at the ends as weights. Perhaps it was made of a heavier material, like leather thong instead of plant fiber.

[@SallyPointer]

It stays in pretty well, especially now I've added an extra row, but pins are known in the right period

[@tmo.48]

Seems like the hair net would act like almost a velcro with those little tiny pieces sticking off from stem, and stay on the head pretty well as is. Looks more fancy than something you'd wear while any strenuous activity. Just me thinking.....

[@debishipman2761]

I'm of the belief that it's 2 pieces. A band across the top and a drape side to side. Or braids and a hair band. Excellent interpretation/recreation. It looks very nice worn.

[@tmo.48]

It does look like there is a small cloth on top of head under the netting. Then it looks like her hair has separated sections that seem to be loosely twisted to create that sectioned look, then the netting seems to hold it all in place.

[@kathyk479]

Most likely they soaked the fibers before braiding! I braid long leaf pine needles! From the American South. We soak to get the ends off and to make the leaves pliable. Any organic marital I've woven has always called for soaking before weaving or braiding. It helps control the fibers. Your he'd piece came out beautiful! Good work! If anyone doesn't think it's work there very mistaken! Lol. Thanks for your video! I'm a fan! No! You got it right! I'm wondering if they braided there hair in with it?

[@sandybrown1439]

I love watching what you do. I must say though that the split screen with the out of focus effect is quite distracting and hard on my eyes.

[@margebattaglia9850]

I feel it was more of a deer chamois with smocking stitchs to give it shape yet allows for the taught top yet soft folding which is draped down the sides to shape to the ropes of hair underneath on the young womans head.

[@tmo.48]

Great thinking!!!

[@carlJoa]

amazing skills. greetings from Norway:)

[@stephengarrett8076]

Outstanding!!!!!

[@oakstrong1]

I was thinking about how the hair dress would stay in place when doing daily tasks? I'm guessing small stands of hair were braided/woven to the hood once it was put on to fix it in place. Would that make sense?

[@SallyPointer]

A good way to secure it certainly

[@lesdrinkwater490]

Very interesting. Thanks Sally.

[@joydenrosebonsaimore6307]

Amazing work and thank for your great videos!!

[@pbonniejean]

Might it be called a fillet hood or fillet cap?

[@SallyPointer]

It could be called all sorts of things, those sound as good as anything else!

[@wildfireswildfires6792]

It looks like it could be the base for something much more elaborate, like adding strands to make a wig or adding pearls. It doesn't seem very practical to hold hair in place, unless there were ropes that went under at the nape and wouldn't be featured on a carving. Anyways, it's a fantastic job you did. Some people really have the best dream jobs 😉