Kanzashi Hair Pin

A wooden mirror with an ornate frame. Sitting on it the glass is a hairpin that has spikes. There is a pink flower and has a tassel.
Hair pin on a mirror in the Pink Bedroom

Country of Origin: Japan 
Year: 1897  
Materials: Metal and fabric  

Hair pins like this one were collected by Milly Harris on her trip to Japan in 1897. Hair pins or kanzashi, in Japan date back to around 14000BCE and were initially used to ward off evil spirits but became popular for their ornamental features. This pin is a bira-bira kanzashi, which means a fluttering or dangling kanzashi.  

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.