Newly

Hairpin from Ethiopia or Eritrea

Product description

This exquisite hairpin is attributed to both Amhara and Tigray regions in Ethiopia, as well as nearby areas of Eritrea. The fine work and structural elements on this one are composed of low grade silver or an alloy. In addition to very fine filigree and granulation decorations, these anthropomorphic adornments are consistently capped with a stylized Coptic cross.

It is possible to find new, flatter versions of this hair pin (usually without the cross on top), created for the Ethiopian and Eritrean community and its diaspora, as well as contemporary images of women wearing these new versions (especially for wedding ceremonies) across the internet.

This piece dates to the first half of the 20th century. It has small traces of verdigris from a history of use.

See this link from the collection at The Musée du Quai Branly for a similar example.

Size: 1.125" length x 4.25" height x 0.375" wide / 3cm x 11cm x 1cm

Weight: approximately 15 g

$80.00

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