MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
Title:
Mende Comb
Object Name:
Comb, Mende, Wood
Other Name:
Comb, Sierra Leone
Place of Origin:
Mende, Sierra Leone, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.

Vivian Olson spent over 35 years as a missionary, in Sierra Leone. A letter that accompanied the seven items that she donated, make some mention of each piece. In her own words:

The wooden comb is a native craft in Sierra Leone.
Description:
Wooden comb with four teeth. Tubular—shaped handle, and carved designs on either side, just above teeth.
Collection:
Vivian Olson Collection
Material:
Wood
Used:
Domestic Use
Technique:
Carving
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2015.4.3
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