In many African cultures, everyday object are often turned into pieces of artwork and this Asante comb is no exception. The comb has a carving of a figure in the center and geometric patterns throughout. It measures 12 inches tall, 13 inches including the base, and weighs 1 pound. There is some damage to one of the comb tips, cracking and wear and tear – please inspect photos.
Sale!
Asante Style Comb on Custom Base 13″ – Ghana – African Art
$135.00
Sold
| Type of Object | Comb |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Ghana |
| Ethnicity | Asante |
| Material | Wood, Pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 12" comb, 13" including base |
| Width (Inches) | 5" |
| Depth (Inches) | .5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 1 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Some cracking and general wear and tear. |
Tribe Information
About the Asante People
“When they arrived on the coast of Ghana in 1471, Portuguese sailors were astonished by the highly structured kingdoms they encountered. This initial contact, along with the area’s reputation for being wealthy, encouraged Westerners to settle in the region and to trade bronze and European-manufactured objects for Ghanaian gold and slaves.”
“The first area, which lies along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, is a flat plain covered with shrubs occasionally interrupted by lagoons. It is divided into numerous kingdoms of which the most well known are the Fante and the Ewe. The second area includes the central part of the country. It is a forest area where the most renowned tribes is undoubtedly the Asante (also known as the Ashanti). The Asante tribe, as well as other people living in central and south Ghana, speak the Twi language and collectively form the Akan people. The third area, in northern Ghana, is covered by the savannah and is the habitat of Gur-speaking people whose traditions and religions are still poorly understood.”
Sources:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.