Object Details
- Label Text
- Large wooden 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. On this comb, an open rectangular center originally held a mirro. It is topped by three disk shaped heads, the ideal of beauty found in akua ba figure. The akua ba symbol is particularly appropriate on a gift from a husband to his wife, either to mark the birth of a child or the desire for one. Incised below the heads are two weapons, a spear and a rifle.
- Description
- Comb with rectangular mirror frame topped by three arches with heads. Metal plate repair on reverse.
- Provenance
- Emil J. Arnold, New York, -- to 1968
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Asante artist
- Date
- Mid 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Emil Arnold
- Medium
- Wood, metal, pigment
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 43.2 x 23.5 x 1.6 cm (17 x 9 1/4 x 5/8 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
