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.

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Mangbetu
Classification: Accessories
Formatted Medium: Ivory
Medium: ivory
Locations: Place made: Ubangi or Uele region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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
Exhibitions: African Innovations, Double Take: African Innovations
Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY
Museum Location: This item is not on view
Dominant Colors