Crown Beoir (Outdoor)

Hair is a unique and admired feature among Irish Traveller women. There is a rich tradition of hair artistry within the Traveller community. Hair serves as a powerful symbol of individuality and is deeply connected to identity, carrying stories, meanings, and memories.

Crown Beoir, a collaboration between Traveller women and artist Breda Mayock, highlights the deep connection between hair and identity within the Irish Traveller community. The exhibition centres on Traveller women and girls in Mayo, showcasing their unique relationship with their hair—a powerful symbol of individuality, ethnicity, culture, and gender. Working with the photographer Orla Sloyan, Mayock presents personal portraits that celebrate Traveller women and their aesthetic expression.

The project, titled ‘Crown’, chosen by the women, draws its name from the phrase ‘Crowning Glory’, reflecting the importance of hair in their lives. By focusing on this aspect of Traveller culture, Crown Beoir brings attention to a beautiful and challenging element of female Traveller identity. Crown Beoir is a celebration of the creativity, strength, and unique cultural heritage of Traveller women, offering an intimate look at the ways in which hair serves as both a personal and collective symbol of identity.