Comb Item Number: 3446/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Comb with sixteen teeth carved from ebony wood. Teeth attach to semi-circular body of comb that extends into a cylindrical handle. Top of handle carved into head of snake-like creature. Animal has two ivory(?) eyes inlaid into it, with black inset pupils. Linear designs incised throughout body and handle.

Narrative

Acquired in Nigeria during the years 1975-76, when the donor’s father was teaching at the Benin Technical College, in Benin City, Nigeria. The whole family was there for two years, while his father worked under the auspices of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).