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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

A gold coloured, metal straight pin with a lion head finial. The oval shape of the pin and the scalloped edges can be interpreted as the representation of the lion's head and mane. The raised oval and raised triangle in the centre of the pin represent the lion's face and nose. Three incised dots represent the animal's eyes and mouth. Three horizontal lines have been incised across the neck of the pin. The neck also contains a metal protrusion on one side, with a circular hole in it. The reverse side of the finial has been engraved with radiating lines that represent the back of the lion's mane. The reverse also contains two incised horizontal lines.

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.