Female Comb

ca. 19th century

Akan men gave women combs to commemorate special events in their lives together. Births, puberty celebrations, and weddings were all times when combs were sought out to mark the occasion. The combs were often worn to attract attention in the midst of an elaborate hairstyle. This comb has a modest face without a hairstyle, but has a sincere smile.

Wood

11 in. (27.9 cm)

Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb

2001.1060

Not currently on view

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