I spotted this one fairly high on a wall at the Nashville show and squinted hard up at it to confirm that yes, in fact, our young woman here is holding a long pair of braids in front of her, tied together with a ribbon near the top. As such, quite an excellent embodiment of Victorian obsession with hair and the value placed on it.  I can't find another example out there of a similar ilk, but would speculate that this young woman's display of braids is akin to showing her age (her life's growth this far; almost like a measuring stick) and turn to womanhood, when hair would be worn up. And given the fineness of the frame, original to it I believe (though newer nails closing it up from behind), it would seem this was indeed a consequential portrait, marking the moment of leaving the braids behind. Unusual and I think quite poignant.

Framed, behind glass: 13 3/4" x 11 11/16". Photo 7" x 5". Some toning to the photograph--lower left edge of photo has shifted just a hair, which shows the toning. I have not opened the frame but presume a cabinet card. There are, curiously, lightly inked lines just below her eyes and following her eyebrows, as detailed. Eastlake frame, which is quite fine, is in excellent condition, with original wood backing, wired for hanging.