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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

A straight pin made from gold-coloured metal and two pieces of transparent, white-grey glass(?). There is an oval-shaped finial in the middle with a hollow centre, and there is a piece of glass(?) on each side of the finial. Between the glass is a partial oval of thin metal with an irregular-shaped piece missing, allowing partial view through the centre. One of the glass(?) pieces is broken and the top half is missing. The neck of the finial shaft protrudes on one side and has a circular hole in the centre of the protrusion. A zigzag pattern of incised lines radiates from the centre of the finial to the edge of the finial. This pattern continues across the neck and part of the way down the shaft.

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.