Seven combs (one of seven)
Life Story
Combs from the Solomon Islands are notable for their variety and colourful appearance. They were worn as hair ornaments by both men and women, and are in most cases made from slivers of wood which are shaped, bound and gummed together. Those decorated on one side with pearl shell segments set into Parinarium ‘putty nut’ gum were made on San Cristobal or one of the smaller neighbouring islands. The coloured examples, bound in natural yellow and dyed red fibres, are from the interior of Malaita, whence they circulated by exchange to other parts of the group.
Steven Hooper, 1997
Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, Vol. 2: Pacific, African and Native North American Art, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997) p. 67.
Not on display
Title/Description: Seven combs (one of seven)
Born: 1800 c. - 1980
Object Type: Implement
Materials: Fibre, Gum, Shell, Wood
Measurements: l. 298 x w. 90 x d. 7 mm
Accession Number: 426a
Historic Period: 19th century, 20th century
Production Place: Oceania, Pacific, San Cristobal, Solomon Islands