This small, fine bone hair adornment, comes from the Darfur region of western Sudan. The multi-pronged form of the comb is similar to those found among the Mangbetu in north-eastern DRC. In order to make this fine comb, the artisan would have used a type of hand-turned lathe which at the time was only practised in use in Sudan and Ethiopia. The handle of the comb is adorned with tiny, intricate circle-and-dot decorations– a design found on Ethiopian talismans and Sudanese rings, which has served as a traditional protective symbol across the African continent throughout the centuries.
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Ex Private Collection, France
Height: 14.5 cm (Custom Mounted)
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