African Prestige Combs / Hair Ornaments Peignes Africains - Afrikanische Haarkämme Afrikanische Haarkamm - Afrikanische Kamm         Ashanti - Akan - Fante   Ghana - West Africa   Northern Ghana - Akan Prestige Comb                 Combs found in Northern Ghana tend to use geographic shapes after Islamic influence for two centuries.               This is a fantastic old prestige comb measuring + - 33.5 cms / 13 inches.           Akan speaking peoples prestige combs.   The Akan speaking women of Ghana include the Anyi, Ashanti, Baule and Fante. They all use wooden hair combs, as do their slaves. Combs are obtained as gifts from admirers, or presented at marriage. Large bridal combs were prestigious and used to adorn the home. Depending on a woman's wealth or beauty, she might own three or four.           Colonial Ashanti Akuaba Doll Figured Comb                     This stunning Ashanti comb exhibits a representation of an Akuaba doll. The exceptionally refined object is made from what appears to be a ceramic material a-fixed to an inner core. The core is heavy and may well be pewter. It is + - 24 cms or 9.5 inches tall.       @ AMR  1974    The comb is marked or signed @ AMR 1974. We have failed to learn of the AMR identity.         Abstract figures appear in the breast / torso area of the comb.              This comb is cited on Wikipedia's 'comb' page. Click here to see. It is credited on Wiki's  'Afro' page.  Click here to see.           Native Krobo girl - 'Gold Coast' - Ghana - Photo: P. A. McCann   Ghanaian people frequently use proverbs in daily life to clarify anything and everything. The wide verity of abstract and naturalistic shapes found on their combs, for the most part represent local proverbs. Combs and the carvings found on them, reveal these proverbs without the use of words.

 

 

 

 

Baule Elephant Comb   Côte d'Ivoire - Ivory Coast   Click Thumbnails for Larger Images   This is well used Baule (Baoule) comb. The Baule reside in both Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)   Click Thumbnails for Larger Images   The comb was most like made in the Ivory Coast - as the maker carved 300 F (Francs) to one side.     Source: http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%20African%20Combs%20-%20Hair%20Ornaments.htm