THE BARBERS OF OLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19947, 15 November 1926, Page 7

THE BARBERS OF OLD.

FOUR THOUSAND YEARS AGO. WOMEN WITH BOBBED HAIR. Recently discovered sculptures in Egypt prove that there were professional barbers at least 2000 years 8.C., and that the women 1 of nearly forty centuries ago bobbed their hair. The barbers operated out of doors, under the trees, just as they still do in the Orient to-day. The patrons —including womo nas well as men—who were waiting sat around on stools. Women had their hair bobbed then very much ,as in the year 1926 A.D. They also had their hair done in a sort of permanent wave. Transformations consisting of a bunch of false hair were likewise in vogue.

Only the king in those far-off times had the privilege of wearing a long full beard. The common people had their hair cut fairly short, and their necks shaved. Steel was unknown at that early date, but razors made of bronze were used. Bobbed hair for women has been a fad at different periods in the world’s history, but as a rule long hair has been favoured. Short hair has always been considered a badge of servitude. Under religions regulations women have been compelled to shear off their long hair to keep them from being too vain. At other times a ban has been issued against short hair. An old record in London dated January 25, IGBO, relates that the women had become so “insolent” and had been imitating the men so much by cropping their hair, wearing broad-brimmed hats and carrying weapons, that the king ordered the clergy to preach against these dangerous innovations. He warned them that if good advice did not correct the evil he would use more drastic measures. The historian who recorded this episode makes a comment which agrees with much that is heard to-day. He said: “There is great neede of reforme among our womenkind. The truth is the wirld is very much out of order, but whether preaching will mend it od knowes.” The Bible has very little to say about barbering, as the ancient Israelites let their hair and beards grow almost ah nature decreed. Still, in the sixth chapter of Numbers, it is decreed that when “either man or woman” makes certain vows “he shall separate himself from strong drink, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” In Psalms is found the statement: “Thy tongue deviseth mischief, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” There were barbers in those days who worked for hire, for in Isaiah it is stated: —“ln the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely by them beyond the river, the head and the hair of the feet, and it shall also consume the beard.” And in Ezekiel, the prophet was thus instructed: “Take thee a barber’s razor an-', cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard.”