South East African Combs

Tanzania / Mozambique / Zanzibar     

Combs related to the example in the example in the Universidade De Coimbra at the Instituto De Antropologia in Portugal, were once found in Zanzibar in the north, to Mozambique in the south.

The double sided comb above displays 4 abstract or stylized faces.

(Each comb has been photographed front and rear.)

Combs were articles of adornment, often double sided and used as hair decorations.

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Ba Yaka Hair Comb

Angola - Congo

Oral history suggests that the Yaka, along with the Suku, were part of an invasion against the Kongo Kingdom that came from the Lunda Plateau in the 16th century. They live along the Kwango river in Angola and DRC.

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This late 19th or early 20th century Yaka hair comb is typical of the oldest examples known. Seldom did Yaka hair ornaments such as this, have more than four tines.  The patina is deep and yellowed.

 

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Zulu - Pondo Snuff Spoons Hair Ornaments

Circa 1900

                           Ivy's Albums - Lynn Acutt                                    Duggan-Cronin - Bone Hair Ornament

Snuff spoons were for the most part carved from bone. We know of wooden and ivory examples, as well as those of hippo tooth. Photographically, evidence shows the core production area as Pondoland. The Pondo were well known for their snuff spoons, which were objects also intended to be hair ornaments and combs.

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Our two examples are offered as a pair and include fine detailed designs.

   

 

Many 19th century illustrations and photographs depict Southern African natives adorned with snuff spoons or related hair ornaments that decorate their hair, coiffure, or in use. On the left is a Bhaca woman a to the right, an Pondo.

 

 

ZULU - George French Angas - The Kafirs Illustrated - 1849

 

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