Head Comb
Production date
Unknown
Country
Papua New Guinea
State/Province
Oro (Northern Province)
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Object detail
Description
Comb-Turtle Shell, 11 prongs, incised geometric designs on handle, tassles of ground shell discs and banana seed attached.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander comb
Maker
Production date
Unknown
Production place
Measurements
L139.5 x W68 mm
Media/Materials description
Turtle shell comb with incised design and twisted plant fibre tassles of ground shell and banana seed and hair (now missing)
History and use
Melanesian men are more likely than women to wear hair combs as part of their ceremonial dress. Worn mainly as dance ornaments, these combs are now commonly sold to tourists and serve a more everyday function.
Registration number
E561