It’s the original Afro pick! As evidenced by the
number of barbershops and beauty salons that line the streets of Kumasi, being
well-coiffed in the Ashanti capital is must, and there’s a long tradition of
wearing combs like this one, which we purchased from Mr. Abubakar Muhammad. The
figures carved into the handles are very similar to akuaba, or fertility dolls. Abenna,
which means “Tuesday,” in Twi, is what the Akan—or at least a lot of them—name a
girl born on the second day of the week.
More
In Akan culture the comb (called afe in Twi) is both a token of
affection, given to women from admirers or husbands-to-be, and also—like so
many Akan crafts—a medium of communication. Designs refer to a...
Read More
In Akan culture the comb (called afe in Twi) is both a token of
affection, given to women from admirers or husbands-to-be, and also—like so
many Akan crafts—a medium of communication. Designs refer to a multitude of
things including tribal affiliation, the wearer’s wealth/social status,
natural/historical events, and the many myths, proverbs and symbols that form a
tribe’s cultural and social philosophy. Even the number of teeth is
significant; almost all Akan combs have seven, which is considered an auspicious
number.
Read Less
Details and Dimensions
Wood
9.7 x 3.8"
