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Data
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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

Silver-coloured metal straight pin with a flat, circular finial. Small circles of coloured glass have been set within the finial. There are five pieces of red glass, six pieces of green glass, and two pieces of blue glass. There are five semi-circular protrusions around the finial with holes holding coloured glass. The hole at the top of the finial is empty. In the centre of the finial, five of the holes are slightly larger than the others and appear to form a cross shape. The surface of the finial, on both sides, has been incised with simple geometric patterns. The neck of the pin has been flattened, and a hole has been drilled into this flat protrusion.

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.