This crab design hairpin embedded with pearl, is worn by Indonesian Peranakan women during the mourning period as a show of respect for the loss of a loved one. During this time, the usual gold and diamond ornaments are exchanged for more sombre jewellery such as this hairpin. A Peranakan woman, also known as Nonya, would traditionally tie her waist-long hair into a coiled bun, which would be held in place with hairpins.
