Hairpin
Peul / Tuareg, West Africa
Iron, aluminum, copper, brass
Mid-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, 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, marital 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. Indeed, some women without one or more accoutrements in her hair would not even be considered completely dressed (Blandin, Fer Noir, 1992; Schildkrout, Enid & Keim, Curtis A., African Reflections: Art from Northeastern Zaire, 1990; Sieber, African Textiles and Decorative Arts, 1972; Sieber, Roy & Herreman, Frank (Eds.), Hair in African Art and Culture, 2000).

7.75 in :: 19.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1496

SOLD