Unusual wooden hairpin-

I have always been collecting peranakan hairpins. I have seen many pretty ones , usually in gold or silver. This particular one was found on one of my aqusition trips to West Malaysia.

This unusual piece is 9 cm long. Like all hairpins, it tapers from the crown to the point that is relatively flat and thin. It is relatively light compared to silver or gold pins. It has diamond shape facettes near the crown and 3 horizontal bands above the diamond shaped facettes. I believe that its made of iron wood, because of its black color. From close observation, it seems to be well used, the designs have been well rubbed and the overall hair pin is smooth and shiny.

I have no idea what these wooden hair pins were used for but they may be used by very poor Nyonyas? or for the dead? no idea.

The most interesting about this piece is that i have a twin that is made in silver. The Silver one was purchased from an antique shop in Singapore. They are almost identical! if any one knows what the wooden hair pin was used and by who, please leave a comment.