Ancient traditional comb - Democratic Republic Congo
€90.00
Ancient Traditional Comb – Democratic Republic of the Congo
This ancient traditional comb from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a rare and deeply authentic testimony to everyday life and aesthetic practices in Central Africa. Far more than a simple grooming tool, such objects accompanied their owners intimately and played a key role in the construction of identity, social status, and personal appearance.
Carved in wood and assembled with vegetal fibers, this comb stands out for its elongated, carefully structured form. The long, fine, evenly spaced prongs are meticulously assembled and secured by a system of bindings, while the central section, wrapped in fiber, provides both structural strength and a refined visual rhythm. The sobriety of the form, combined with precise craftsmanship, reflects an ancient and well-mastered tradition.
This type of comb is documented among several cultural groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring regions, including the Luba, Lunda, Kongo, and Zande, as well as in the Lower Congo area extending toward Angola (Cabinda). Comparable examples are preserved in major institutional collections, notably at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and in European museums such as Berg en Dal and Leiden. Many of these combs were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attesting to their historical depth and wide geographic distribution.
Both a utilitarian object and a social marker, the comb held an essential place in bodily practices. Hairstyles—often elaborate and strictly codified—functioned as a visual language indicating age, rank, community affiliation, or marital status. As such, the comb was a personal object, kept close, sometimes repaired, transmitted, and imbued with the memory of its owner.
Rare on today’s market, this ancient comb captivates through its quiet yet powerful presence, its authenticity, and its deep connection to lived experience. It will appeal equally to seasoned collectors of early African ethnographic objects and to enthusiasts seeking a singular piece charged with history and meaning.
A modest object in appearance, yet one of exceptional cultural and human richness, standing at the intersection of art, use, and memory.
02613
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1920
- Size
- 18 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
Ancient Traditional Comb – Democratic Republic of the Congo
This ancient traditional comb from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a rare and deeply authentic testimony to everyday life and aesthetic practices in Central Africa. Far more than a simple grooming tool, such objects accompanied their owners intimately and played a key role in the construction of identity, social status, and personal appearance.
Carved in wood and assembled with vegetal fibers, this comb stands out for its elongated, carefully structured form. The long, fine, evenly spaced prongs are meticulously assembled and secured by a system of bindings, while the central section, wrapped in fiber, provides both structural strength and a refined visual rhythm. The sobriety of the form, combined with precise craftsmanship, reflects an ancient and well-mastered tradition.
This type of comb is documented among several cultural groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring regions, including the Luba, Lunda, Kongo, and Zande, as well as in the Lower Congo area extending toward Angola (Cabinda). Comparable examples are preserved in major institutional collections, notably at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and in European museums such as Berg en Dal and Leiden. Many of these combs were collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attesting to their historical depth and wide geographic distribution.
Both a utilitarian object and a social marker, the comb held an essential place in bodily practices. Hairstyles—often elaborate and strictly codified—functioned as a visual language indicating age, rank, community affiliation, or marital status. As such, the comb was a personal object, kept close, sometimes repaired, transmitted, and imbued with the memory of its owner.
Rare on today’s market, this ancient comb captivates through its quiet yet powerful presence, its authenticity, and its deep connection to lived experience. It will appeal equally to seasoned collectors of early African ethnographic objects and to enthusiasts seeking a singular piece charged with history and meaning.
A modest object in appearance, yet one of exceptional cultural and human richness, standing at the intersection of art, use, and memory.