Delicately balanced hair pins such as this would have been worn as a symbol of wealth and high social status by royal Mangbetu men and women. This rare pin consists of a beautifully curved, sculptural form crowned with a rounded, slightly pointed head. For Mangbetu artisans, the creation of these prestige items would have required great skill.
Estimated Period: First Quarter of 20th Century
Reference
R. Sieber & F. Herreman, Hair in African Art and Culture, The Museum for African Art, p. 121-122
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