Hairpin
1 of 3
Object Label
Ivory’s value results from its scarcity, as well as its association with the elephant, a symbol of power and strength. Ivory bracelets, decorated with engraved designs, were made by the Fur of the Darfur region of Sudan and traded as far as Eritrea and the Republic of the Congo. Hairpins from the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are worn by both men and women to hold hats and ornate hairstyles in place. These hairpins are particularly ostentatious, since each is made from a large piece of ivory, most of which is carved away.
Caption
Mangbetu. Hairpin, 19th century. Ivory, 9 5/8 x 9/16in. (24.4 x 1.4cm) Other: 7in. (17.8cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1931, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 31.2036.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 31.2036.2_bw.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Hairpin
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Ubangi or Uele region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Ivory
Classification
Dimensions
9 5/8 x 9/16in. (24.4 x 1.4cm) Other: 7in. (17.8cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1931, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
31.2036.2
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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