Head comb
Production date
Pre 1967
Country
Papua New Guinea
State/Province
Milne Bay
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Object detail
Description
Long bamboo head comb with handle carved into curvilinear shape. Incised decorations along far end of handle. Plant fibre wrapped around teeth of comb at join of teeth and handle.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander comb
Production date
Pre 1967
Production place
Measurements
L 430 x W 60 mm
History and use
Tribal head combs in Papua New Guinea are generally for decorative purposes to adorn the wearer, but are also worn as a status symbol, as an indicator of rank and achievement within a group. The size of the comb, the materials used and the type of decoration used varies between regions.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
Associated person
Registration number
E40873
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