Priced for both of them, these antique miniature blades served a number of purposes as tools and fashion accessories. The long, thin handle could be thrust into the hair, leaving the top piece to be displayed for style. The sharp razor was used for shaping and cutting hair and cutting the skin to produce patterns of cicatrisation (scarification) or keloids (raised individual marks). In addition the inherent value of iron, the specialized form of these hairpin-razors gave them meaning and reflected a woman's status. Indeed, Sieber wrote that some women "without one or more razors in her hair would not be considered completely dressed" (African Textiles and Decorative Arts, 1972).
Among various central African cultures, the widespread practice of scarification was considered to be part of the social process, indicating an individual's affiliation with a community or cultural group, or membership in a male or female secret initiatory society. Scarification marks indicated a person's rank and social status.
Ex. Ambassador Allen Davis Collection, Virginia. Allen Davis - August 23, 1927 ~ February 17, 2025
Length of one is 7 ¾", and the other is 6 ½".