Comb

MOA: University of British Columbia

3446/1

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).


  • Type of Item comb
  • Culture Yoruba
  • Material ebony wood, ivory
  • Measurements height 23.2 cm, width 8.0 cm, depth 2.6 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Eric Sadee
  • Received from Eric Sadee

  • Made in Nigeria
  • Collected in Nigeria

  • Creation Date during 1975
  • Collection Date between 1975 and 1976
  • Ownership Date before September 17, 2020
  • Acquisition Date on September 17, 2020

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3446/0001