Accession Number

1986.008.0055a

Alternate object names

Cloak Pin;Pin

Creation Date

circa 1600

Description

One of two pieces that were at one time connected. See also 1986.008.0055b. 

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023): N/A
Object Caption (2023):

Tupus (Shawl Pins)
Silver (c.1610)
Gifts of Jamestown Inc., Joseph Hoffman, Rodman Sutton
1986.008.0054-0056, 1986.008.0058, 1999.001.0004

Tupu were exclusively worn by noble women, to hold their shawls in place. After the Spanish conquest, silver tupu, such as these, identified Indigenous aristocracy who were recognized by the colonial administration. Traditional long before the Inca, they are still worn today.