Object size: 1.2 x 10.9 x 1.6 cm
This hair ornament has two repousse panels, each depicting a bird on a flowering branch. The back is stamped with the shop mark “He Sheng” (合盛) and assay mark文艮, for “pure silver”. Chinese-style repousse ornaments were a specialty of local Chinese gold and silversmiths or could be commissioned from well-known firms in Canton and Amoy. Notable producers of silver for the Straits Chinese market included Da Xing (大兴), Tian Xing (天兴) and Jing Fu (景福). This hair ornament and a bangle were found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 539 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. According to the grave marking, it belonged to Mrs. 王, nee黄引娘, from Shanhou 山後, Kinmen county (金門), Fujian province. She passed away in 1943 (民国癸未年九月) and was survived by 1 son, 1 daughter and 1 grandson.The practice of burying everyday objects and luxurious items with the deceased originated in ancient China and continued to be observed by the Straits Chinese communities. They were meant for use by the deceased in the afterlife and served as statements of the family’s rank and status. Such jewellery were probably personal belongings of the deceased or made for the purpose of burial.
