Description:

West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti (Asante) people, ca. 20th century CE. A striking hair ornament, a hand-carved wooden comb with a handle in the form of a disc-shaped head that rises on a slender neck and then broadens into a square that is decorated with light crosshatching on its surface. The crosshatching forms a heart surrounded by two animals on the front side of the comb. Seven thick, long teeth protrude from the bottom of the square. African combs decorated with elaborate handles are a tradition in Africa that dates back as far as the tombs of ancient Egypt. In Ghana, combs have been excavated at Dawu that date to the 17th century CE; European accounts from around this time period also describe Ghanaian people, especially women, wearing them in their hair. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.4" W x 9.05" H (6.1 cm x 23 cm); height on stand: 10" (25.4 cm)

Provenance: private Joseph Ronar collection, Montreal, Canada

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#124610

  • Condition: All but two teeth have small losses at end. Patina from age and handling. Excellent detail.

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July 11, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000