This hairpin was found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 2910 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. According to the grave marking, it belonged to Mrs. 鄭, nee 陳, from Anxi 安溪, Quanzhou, Fujian province. She passed away in 1938 (民国廿七年六月十九日) and was survived by 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 grandson and 1 great-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 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.
