Object Assessment: P18 Comb

Figure 1: Front view of Object P18 from UCL Ethnography Collection (Author 2019).

Object P18 is a vertical flat comb with one single set of twenty-one long upright teeth tightly intertwined horizontally with fibrous strands in the upper mid-section.  The comb is 18.5 cm in length and 10 cm in width from its widest point, weighing at 41.52 kg.  It also consists of a plant fibre suspension loop connected to the top intertwined section.  Its overall appearance is beige.  The teeth of the comb appeared to be made from the midrib of plant fibre which was scrapped and shaped.  The fibrous strands are twined very thinly with possible applied finishes.  The interworking elements of the strands are interwoven into two different types of patterns (Figure 1).  The large design pattern is similar to a horizontal herringbone (zig-zag joint) pattern.  Its characteristic and appearance of the comb indicate it was possibly made from the palm of raphia ‘raffia’ or rattan.

The biography of the comb was not well documented.  It indicated it was from the Polynesia region. Through research, it was discovered that the comb originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based on the records, the object was acquired by Sir Pareyn between 1890s-1920s from DR Congo. It was later purchased by Sir Wellcome in 1928 (figure 2).  

Figure 3: Evidence of the comb accessioned to the Wellcome Collection in 1931. The comb was purchased from the Sir Henri Pareyn Collection at a value of  £1.75, equivalent to £127.50 present day. Its provenance indicated from the Belgian Congo (DR Congo) (Wellcome Library 2019).

The comb has a long history of use exhibiting the techniques and material typical to African craftsmanship and aesthetics.  This plant fibre comb was ornamentally worn in the hair as a decorative item for cultural affiliation and status in Central Africa (Ashton 2013; 8).  Cruse (2007) suggested that rattan combs are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa which differs little from those of South East Asia or Oceania.  Marc (1998, 44) indicated that this type of ornamental comb was worn by women assumed as simple form crafted by the Mongo of north-western Democratic Republic of Congo.  There is limited information regarding plant fibre comb from Africa, particularly the region of Congo.  On entering UCL Ethnography life, the comb representativeness is complemented by their scarcity as it unfolds the historical and social values assigned to them through provenance and in their role within the collection.  

Figure 3: A brittle plant fibre suspension loop (Author 2019).

Overall, the object is stable and is a low conservation priority. The degradation is considered minor and unchanging.  However, the suspension loop is very fragile and brittle (figure 3).  There are several signs of minimal abrasion and scratches observed on the surface of the teeth.

References

Ashton, S., 2013. 6,000 Years of African Combs. Cambridge: The Fitzwilliam Museum.

Cruse, J. 2007. The Comb: Its History and Development. London: Robert Hale Limited.

Marc, A. (ed.), 1998. African Art: The World Bank Collection. Washington: The World Bank.