Headgear, or headframe, is the structure above an underground mine shaft that is used to hoist machines, people, and materials. Our headgear ornament is a nice tribute to the coal mining industry's importance to our nation's history. Decorated on the front side and plain white on the back it is a very unique piece, made by hand. 

In 1946, President Truman ordered the seizure of coal mines to end a strike. Part of the settlement with the United Mine Workers Union was an agreement to survey the health and safety of the miners' working and living conditions. Russell Lee was contracted to document the study with photographs. The powerful images were published in 1947.