These hairpins were found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 2872 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. According to the grave marking, it belonged to Mrs. 林, nee 吕惜娘, from Xidong 溪东, Nan'an 南安, Fujian province. She passed away in 1938 (民国戊寅年八月) and was survived by 1 son and 2 daughters.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 also served as statements of the family’s rank and status. More than 2,000 artefacts have been unearthed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, which include miniature clay and porcelain vessels, specifically produced for this purpose, and jade and silver jewellery that were probably personal belongings of the deceased or made or purchased for the purpose of burial.
