Indonesian Horn Hairpins

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Indonesian Horn Hairpins

Posted by Edith D on April 27, 2017 at 7:28am

These hairpins are made from horn and curve slightly at the top ornament. The curve can be added after carving by exposing the piece to heat and moisture. One should therefore protect such pieces from exposure to excessive moisture and heat.

Comments

Edith D April 27, 2017 at 7:33am

Here is a detail.
Thelma May 2, 2017 at 2:08pm

I love the way they have used the different colours of the horn to differentiate between the decorated top of the hairpin and the long shank. A beautiful object, Edith. .... On another matter, I was so sorry you took down the little rabbit with its long rabbity feet. I was about to comment that maybe there was some connection with the Chinese horoscope when I found it had hopped away.
Edith D May 2, 2017 at 2:34pm

Thanks Thelma! These were incredibly affordable. It has been tough to find good values here in Indonesia. It is one of those places were the jewelry is often more expensive than buying the same item in the west. And very little of it is actually good silver. I have instead focused on authenticity and workmanship in a price range that fits my budget. These little hairpins fit the bill. Things made from horn, bone and shell are usually well made and affordable. I simply focus on looking for pieces used by the people here rather than tourist pieces.

As for my little rabbit, I have consulted an expert who thinks that I have mis-identified him, so I took him down until I can do more research. I will post him again if I find out more. Thanks for your comments!

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Indonesian Horn Hairpins

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