Title:
Luba Wooden Comb
Object Name:
Comb, Wood
Other Name:
Comb, Wood, Luba Head
Place of Origin:
Luba, Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 5—3/4"
W = 2—3/4"
D = 1—1/2"
The Luba produced numerous prestige objects, which were adorned with figures and were used during official ceremonies, or to display wealth.
Added 4/28/16: Figural combs of this kind are common among people of central and West Africa. They are embellished with figures, heads, and other motifs borrowed from local sculpture, textile, and wickerwork. In the Luba culture, combs are important implements for beauty as elaborate hairstyles were seen as a mark of civilization. Combs were used to ornament ceremonial hairstyles and to untangle the hair afterwards.
Bacquart, P. 156
H = 5—3/4"
W = 2—3/4"
D = 1—1/2"
The Luba produced numerous prestige objects, which were adorned with figures and were used during official ceremonies, or to display wealth.
Added 4/28/16: Figural combs of this kind are common among people of central and West Africa. They are embellished with figures, heads, and other motifs borrowed from local sculpture, textile, and wickerwork. In the Luba culture, combs are important implements for beauty as elaborate hairstyles were seen as a mark of civilization. Combs were used to ornament ceremonial hairstyles and to untangle the hair afterwards.
Bacquart, P. 156
Description:
Comb with six teeth. Luba head finial with pointed chin, slit protruding mouth, flat nose, slit deepset eyes. Headdress well back on head forming large forehead. Series of inverted D—shaped designs on breast area. Black patina over entire surface.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Wood W/Patina
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.107
Click to Enlarge
Front View
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View