Hairpin
Bobo, Burkina Faso
Brass (two pieces)
Early 20th century

Both in everyday African life and in African sculpture, hair has always been one of the body parts receiving the most care and attention. A hairstyle can identify ethnic origin, gender, marital status, phase of the life cycle, status, wealth, or personal taste. Hair pins were intended primarily as objects of ornamentation, but could also signal social status or indicate access to the spirit realm.

In addition to being a hair ornament, hairpins were used for several other purposes: to clean small wounds, to remove chiggers, to care for fingernails and toenails, or as a knife to trim the hair. Hairpins also fulfilled an important role as gifts exchanged between lovers (Ouattara brothers, personal communication, 2020; Sieber, Roy & Herreman, Frank (Eds.), Hair in African Art and Culture, 2000).

Mounted on a custom base made of African mahogany. 

9.75 in :: 24.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1435

SOLD