Ashanti Comb
Ghana
A comb constructed along a vertical axis, the mass organised through a rectangular planar field terminating in a row of teeth forming the lower register.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, a female figure occupies the upper register, the head centred and aligned frontally within the width of the shaft. The face is symmetrically organised with defined features set in low relief, framed by a radiating incised coiffure. The figure remains continuous with the shaft, carved from the same mass. Two ringed columns descend from the head to meet the upper edge of the rectangular field, each terminating in a domed knob projecting from the surface. A beaded necklace is fixed at the throat. A dense band of vertical incised lines crosses the upper portion of the rectangular field; a separate band of triangular lattice incision crosses the lower portion immediately above the teeth. The carving remains shallow, maintaining the planar structure. The teeth are evenly spaced and extend vertically from the lower edge.
Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across the form; exposure at projecting elements. Incised details retained across the shaft and teeth.
Context
Among the Ashanti, combs of this type are personal objects associated with grooming and social adornment.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ghana, 1983.
Details
- Title
- Ashanti Comb
- Culture
- Ashanti
- Origin
- Ghana
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 52 cm (20.5 in) · W 17 cm (6.7 in)
- Medium
- Wood
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ghana, 1983.
- Condition
- Surface stable; incised details retained; bead element present.
