Comb

Ashanti (Asante), Ivory Coast
Early 20th c.
Wood

Provenance: Old American collection

A striking sculptural comb crowned by a stylized human figure whose triangular head rises above a beautifully carved geometric panel.  Suspended at the center of the chest is a small pendant worn as a necklace, an element often associated with status, protection, and personal adornment.  Such pendants could signify beauty, prestige, or spiritual protection, reinforcing the comb’s connection to identity and personal display. The reverse reveals visible wear on the back of the head, a subtle but telling sign of handling and use over time—evidence of the object’s life beyond the sculptor’s hands.