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Catalog Data

Maker:
Akan artist  Search this
Medium:
Wood
Dimensions:
H x W: 27.9 × 8.9 cm (11 × 3 1/2 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Ghana
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Large wood combs are a specialized art form among the Akan. While some might be used to hold a woman's hair during styling, most were intended solely as gifts to mark a special occasion in a woman's life.
Description:
Large wood comb with eight teeth; the ninth is missing. Comb is composed of an openwoork knot with three cut out hearts over a rectangular form with incised zigzags.
Exhibition History:
Patterns and Forms, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., August 20-September 16, 1984
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
Household  Search this
Female use  Search this
heart  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Museum purchase
Object number:
79-13-21
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7e78c1999-3c36-4bab-9a71-e99f42a062f4
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_79-13-21