Accession Number
1987/1.154

Title
Comb

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
circa 1900

Medium & Support
wood, wire and copper

Dimensions
6 7/16 in x 2 1/8 in x 7/8 in (16.4 cm x 5.4 cm x 2.2 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of the Marvin Felheim Collection

Subject matter
This comb is topped by a figurative head, bearing an elaborate hairstyle. Such combs would have been used to decorate these coiffures and acted as decorations and symbols of status. The incisions on the flat surface underneath the head may reference scarifications that were commonly seen amongst the Chokwe. 

Physical Description
A nine-toothed comb topped with an anthropomorphic head. The neck and forehead of the 'face' have been decorated with rings of copper wire. The top of the comb is decorated with four rows of geometrical shapes in the front and two rows in the back. 

Primary Object Classification
Jewelry

Primary Object Type
personal adornment

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
beauty
combs (hair ornaments)
symbols of office or status