Ashanti Ceremonial Comb: Based

The comb has a face, a long neck, and opinions about hair.

Ashanti carvers of Ghana, West Africa, made this ceremonial comb in wood in the 20th century. Ashanti combs are often given as courtship gifts and are associated with beauty and grooming, and the carved figure on top frequently stands for an idealized woman. Here a slender neck carries a small head under a looped crest, above a broad rectangular body marked with two round breasts. Eight long teeth descend below. The wood is dark and glossy, polished by handling. It stands on a black base.

About twelve inches tall. Narrow, upright, and quietly formal on a shelf.