Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys Long rectangular chips measure 2

Long rectangular chips measure 2 3/16" x 13/16"

I think the prowling posture is 100% perfect cat

and in very good overall condition

with pin holes in corners as noted and some surface wear along the edges as evident and documented

Definitely worthy of  framing and hanging

Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys Long rectangular chips measure 2I've never seen the likes of these, which I believe are Victorian mourning buttons, made with blonde hair encased in finely wrapped and knotted blue cord and thread, silk I believe. One presumes these were made to be sewn to a garment perhaps like toggles on a shawl or coat but I'm not entirely sure. Whatever the case, quite unusual as far as I know, and feeling like literal capsules of another time (and specific person!), which could easily be strung