Ornamental comb "faa"
Solomon Islands - Malaita
sold
EUR 800
Size
H: 17 cm
H: 6.7 inch
Description
18 fan-like arranged teeth from split sections of the core of tree ferns, fixed together with a decorative plaiting of yellow and brown orchid bast, very good condition;
such combs were worn by men throughout the south-eastern Solomon islands. They were among the body ornaments first noticed and recorded by visitors to the islands. Probably the earliest reference was made by John Webster in 1851.