West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti (Asante) people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking hand-carved wooden comb with an abstract human effigy handle and 13 slender, tapered teeth. The intricate handle is divided into 2 tiers. The larger section presents in the form of a disc-shaped head that rises on a tubular neck and is surrounded by a circular wreathe-like form with openwork and incised details. The lower tier of the handle then broadens into a rectangular shape decorated with openwork and light crosshatching on its surface. The back is fit with a metal suspensions hook for display. Size: 5.25" W x 15" H (13.3 cm x 38.1 cm); 17.5" H (44.4 cm) on included custom stand.
African combs decorated with elaborate handles are a tradition in Africa that dates back as far as the tombs of ancient Egypt. In Ghana, combs have been excavated at Dawu that date to the 17th century CE; European accounts from around this time period also describe Ghanaian people, especially women, wearing them in their hair.
Cf. The Dallas Museum of Art, object number 1981.174
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-William Brill collection, New York, USA
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#163560
Condition
Collection number inscribed on verso. Some light scratches to handle. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.