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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

Tarnished metal spoon converted into a straight pin with a spoon-shaped finial. The shaft of the pin tapers to a thin point. On either side of the neck, thin metal wire has been added to form three small loops on each side of the shaft. The neck of the shaft, just below the bowl of the finial, has been incised with curvilinear lines. The edge of the spoon-shaped finial displays radiating incised lines. The incised design in the bowl of the finial resembles a flower with short, rounded petals. This flower design contains a cross-hatched centre, with small dots in each of the cross-hatched spaces. The top of the flower has been embellished with three leaves.

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.