Miniature Comb Item Number: 3557/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Comb sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Comb has a square shaft and eight long teeth. Front of shaft has geometric designs carved in relief; back of shaft and teeth are undecorated. Design consists of black lines, trimmed with white, bordering four semi-circles surrounding a diamond; background is white, designs done in black and dark orange. Yellow card inserted into bag, behind comb, with image of person using comb and one of the comb itself; paragraph of text describes makers, materials, and decorations.
Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?