Crane Hair Pin

This a Japanese pin that has two white crane figures on it. They are placed on a wooden table with doilies in the background.
A crane hairpin from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890s
Materials: Metal, silk, thread 

This is a decorative hair piece is made by twisting metal to create two cranes. Cranes are a very popular Japanese symbol, as they symbolize honour, good fortune, loyalty, and longevity. This hairpin was likely made to be worn decoratively and would not have been for practical use.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.