Hair Ornament

Item number Edz1078 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Small symmetrical copper object with pointed ends--both ends feature raised floral designs.

History Of Use

At the time of collection (1980) these were no longer in use, as most women had their hair cut and often curled. In the past, they had been used to secure women’s long hair, wrapped at the back in a bun. The woman’s hair was twisted over and around the ornament, and a pin pushed through to secure it. Ornaments like these were worn by both land-dwelling farming people and boat-dwelling fishing people.

Narrative

From a shop selling antiques and second-hand goods in Macao. The pin is missing from this ornament. The ornament was identified and explained by Mrs. Yau Chan, Shek-ying, of Kwan Mun Hau Village, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, who remembered seeing them in use.