Tonga Comb

An exceptionally large and very fine chiefly comb composed of some 20 tines and profusely decorated with finely strung trade beads of various colors.

Tonga Islands, Polynesia – collected on Makutu Island, Lau Group, Fiji, Polynesia

19/20th century

Wood, coconut fiber and European trade beads. Various old lacunae and wear

51 cm x 11 cm

Provenance: Collected in field by Monique de Ganay in April 1935 during the La Korrigane Expedition

Field collection number 164/Musée de l’Homme deposit number D.39.3.62. embossed on metal inventory tag.

The field inventory states : Comb seru (iseru) in wood (duvu) with 21 tines strung with brown fibers and decorated with red, white and blue glass beads.

Exchanged against an old dress with an elderly woman on Makutu Island by Monique de Ganay in April 1935

Object Presented by:
Anthony J.P. Meyer
T.: + 33 (0) 6 80 10 80 22