© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

ClassificationsAfrican Art

Decorative Comb, Duafe

Place CreatedGhana, Africa

CultureAkan

Date20th Century

MediumWood

Credit LineEx coll. William S. Arnett

Dimensions8 11/16 x 3 15/16 x 3/8 in. (22 x 10 x 1 cm)

Object number1994.004.050

Label TextAmong the various Akan groups such as Akwapem and Asante, delicate combs carved from wood were sometimes given as gifts to women from their fathers, husbands, or sons to commemorate special events. This example contains a miniaturized version of the carved face of the highly conventionalized fertility figures, or akuaba. The desire for children that prompts the carving of akuaba figures is in keeping with the purpose of the comb as well, when given by a husband to a wife.

Many Akan combs were small enough to be displayed in the hair while others, like this one, were too large to be worn and were kept as prestige display objects, mementos or keepsakes. Early travelers to the Akan states described another use. In 1602, de Marees wrote:

"...they use their combes also for a kind of salutation or reverence, which they doe unto men; for when they bid one good morrow...they put their combes out of their haire, and put them in againe..."
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, Rotation 2, February 1997 - July 1998

ProvenanceEx coll. William Arnett (1939-2020), Atlanta, Georgia.

Status

Not on view

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