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Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Gold-coloured pin with tapering straight shaft and circular finial. A dark blue circular stone or glass(?) piece has been claw-set in the middle of the finial. The finial has seven arms radiating from the centre, and these protrusions have been incised with lines and dots. This design provides the top of the pin with a sun-like appearance. There are eight circular holes in the finial encircling the blue stone that have been positioned between the protruding arms. On the back side of the finial, the top of the pin shaft has been flattened and shaped to form a closed loop.

History Of Use

A tupu is a pin that was used by women in several Central and South American countries to secure wrapped dresses and shawls. They were often considered family heirlooms and passed down from mother to daughter. Tupus were worn with traditional wool clothing, but they are not normally used with clothing made from synthetic materials.