Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • 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

Silver-coloured straight and cylindrical pin with a circular finial created with sixteen ray-like protrusions. The front of the finial contains a piece of cylindrical blue glass(?) that has been set in the centre. Each ray-like protrusion has an incised face composed of eyebrows, eyes, and a mouth. Elongated, abstracted bodies continue down from each face to connect with the blue glass in the middle. Small holes within the metal of the finial (in the shapes of circles, triangles, and larger circles) work to define the bodies of the small figures. The top of the pin, where the shaft meets the finial, contains a raised and incised representation of a plant or fruit. At the back of the finial, the top of the pin shaft has been flattened and shaped into a loop. Through this loop, a think metal wire has been attached and it has been formed into two loops. A long, tarnished metal chain has been attached to these loops on the back of the pin.

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. Chains are occasionally attached to this type of tupu in case the pin slips out. Chains are often worn around the neck.

Narrative

A woman is pictured wearing this tupu in her shawl in "Costume and Identity in Highland Ecuador" by A.P. Rowe (1998), on page 270.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items