Pin Item Number: 2813/59 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Silver-coloured straight pin with a tapering shaft and a large oval finial. The finial contains a round green stone or glass(?) piece set in its centre. The rim of the finial has been decorated with an incised design of leaves. There is a middle ring of incised small circles, and an inner ring of dots and dashes.

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.