Comb Item Number: C1415 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Comb with a handle which tapers to a straight edge. The main design along the handle is woven with red and natural-coloured weave in between radial bands of dark brown wood along the lower portion and with natural-coloured and dark brown weave along the upper portion. Forty long teeth fan outward radially. The teeth are secured by a natural-coloured weave between each tooth.
History Of Use
The distinctive, finely plaited faa, or comb, made by the Kwaio women of Malaita Island are traded throughout the Solomon Islands. They are worn by men, often together with similarly plaited ear sticks. Today, these combs are still being made as a source of cash income.
Specific Techniques
The teeth of the faa are made from split sections of the core of tree ferns. The yellow and red pigments used to dye the orchid vine in the plaiting are derived from the bark and root of the Morinda plant, commonly known as noni.
Item History
- Made in Malaita, Solomon Islands between 1900 and 1925
- Owned by Mr. Niemi before 1956
- Received from Mr. Niemi (Donor) during 1956
What
- Name
- Comb
- Identification Number
- C1415
- Type of Item
- comb
- Material
- wood, fibre, tree fern, morinda bark and morinda root
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut and woven
- Overall
- height 22.3 cm, width 9.3 cm, depth 2.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Malaita, Solomon Islands
When
- Creation Date
- between 1900 and 1925
- Ownership Date
- before 1956
- Acquisition Date
- during 1956
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 65