Ornament

Item number Aj137 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Description

Large leaf-shaped nose ornament with soldered hook that loops through nose. There is an incision from base of the hook to centre of the face. The metal is bent out of shape at hook's base.

History Of Use

Nose pendant which goes through a pierced nasal septum and hangs over the lip. It is worn by male elders on ceremonial occasions. Similar ornaments (akaparaparat) are found among the Turkana of Kenya. Individuals adorned with metal jewellery were considered to be of a wealthy class; it provided information about marriage status, family situation, death or social status of the wearer.