Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 1984-0008-0011   CAS 1984-0008-0011; Comb
Category Accessories/Ornaments
Object Name Comb
Culture Melanesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Santa Cruz Islands
State/Prov./Dist. unknown
County
Other Geographic Data Island: Vanikoro
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1920-1928
Collection Name Rollo Beck Collection (South Pacific)
Materials Wood; Plant fiber; String
Description Hair comb carved from single leaf or branch; Overall shape is triangular and flat in cross-section; Proximal end shows numerous ribs flaring out from central rib; Where their proximal ends join, they are bound with single turn of fiber and then completely wrapped with thread; Proximal end of each rib is square in cross-section; Beyond midpoint of comb, each rib is carved into elongated, rounded tooth that tapers toward distal end; At base of teeth a wooden crossbar is held in place with elaborate twining of fibers or string; Entire proximal end of comb originally covered with resin coating.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 8.3, Thickness = 0.6, Length = 22.9