Men’s Comb
Hermit Islands
19th century Provenance: Important American collection, acquired in the 1960’s, by descent to family member.

The intricately carved surfaces of wood sculpture from Kaniet and Hermit Islands north of New Guinea, such as this comb starkly contrast with the minimalist aesthetics characteristic of the works from elsewhere in Micronesia. The present man’s comb was worn in the hair as a decorative accessory. For Kaniet men, hair was considered a sacred part of the body.

Height: 9 inches
IN 2-4-17/ SOLD

 

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