Horsehair from the mane or tail posits many uses.
Horsehair grown from the mane or tail of a horse consists of long, stiff protein fibers that make it ideal for weaving into textiles. The texture of the hair depends on the horse's breed and management. Other uses for horsehair include crafts like pottery and jewelry making.
Fishing Line
Because horsehair fibers absorb water slowly, fisherman once considered this material ideal for use in fishing line. By taking the tail of a horse, then twisting, dying and plaiting it, fisherman created an effective line. Though fisherman commonly use synthetic fibers today, they used line made from horsehair up until the 19th century.
Stringed Instrument Bows
In the string family of musical instruments, the bow typically consists of a length of wood with some type of fiber stretched between its ends. Though less expensive bows are made with synthetic materials, higher quality bows are generally strung with approximately 150 strands of horsehair. When pulled across the instrument's strings, the hair on the bow makes the strings vibrate and emit sound.
Paintbrushes
Paintbrush makers still widely use horsehair today. Because of its smooth lay and ability to hold a large amount of paint, horsehair can be an effective tool for painters when used as the bristles on a brush. Once processed, cut to size and fitted, horsehair paintbrushes can be used to paint anything from walls to esteemed works of art.
Art
Because of its length and suitable texture, many people enjoy weaving horsehair to make jewelry or other crafts. Horsehair pottery is also a popular trend in ceramics. When singed on a hot piece of pottery, horsehair can be used to create an interesting and distinct pattern.
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