Hair comb, Africa, 50s

This hand-carved figurative hair comb from Central Africa likely dates from the mid to second half of the 20th century. Crafted from dark wood, it possesses a warm, uniform patina that emphasizes its characteristic vintage appeal. The handle is designed as a finely carved human figure, uniquely combining a utilitarian object with sculptural art. Figurative representations on African combs can have varying symbolic meanings depending on the cultural context, potentially referring to ancestors, social status, beauty, or fertility. An expressive ethnographic object and a fine example of traditional 20th-century African woodcarving.

Manufacturer
Afrikanisches Kunsthandwerk

Designer

Material
Hartholz