Comb c. 20th century

This comb was made by the Lunda or Lwena people. We don't know exactly when, or even the artist's name. I'm thinking about the person who carved this comb. There’s such an incredible sense of care taken in its making. I see this small figure, with its hands to its face, sitting on top of the comb’s teeth. What might the artist have been thinking about as they carved this? Is it a guardian figure, or a representation of an ancestor, maybe? I love the contrast between the smooth, curved figure and the sharp lines of the comb itself. The artist's hand has transformed a piece of raw material into a functional object, yes, but also into something beautiful and deeply meaningful. It’s such a simple form, yet it speaks volumes about culture, artistry, and the human touch. It’s like a poem, really, isn’t it?