Photo of collection object Hair Ornament
Mangbetu. Hair Ornament, late 19th or early 20th century. Ivory, 3/8 x 6 7/8 in. (1 x 17.5 cm). Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.690. Creative Commons-BY.

Hair Ornament

late 19th or early 20th century

Mangbetu

Arts of Africa

Ivory’s value results from its scarcity, as well as its association with the elephant, a symbol of power and strength. Ivory bracelets, decorated with engraved designs, were made by the Fur of the Darfur region of Sudan and traded as far as Eritrea and the Republic of the Congo. Hairpins from the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are worn by both men and women to hold hats and ornate hairstyles in place. These hairpins are particularly ostentatious, since each is made from a large piece of ivory, most of which is carved away.
Maker/Artist
Mangbetu
Classification
Accessories
Formatted Medium
Ivory
Medium
ivory
Dimensions
3/8 x 6 7/8 in. (1 x 17.5 cm)
Departments
Arts of Africa
Accession Number
22.690
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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