Comb c. 20th century

This is a comb made by a Lunda or Lwena artist. The figure at the top is seated, and the form of the comb rises from its legs. The figure’s elbows are resting on their knees and hands cover their face. I am drawn to the way the legs mirror the tines of the comb. The comb is rendered from a pale-yellow material – probably ivory or bone. Its surface has been smoothed, and has a slight sheen. The image is roughly symmetrical. Notice how the zig-zagging pattern on the rectangular section echoes the patterns of the comb’s teeth, and also the linear patterns of the figure’s hair. The artist paid careful attention to how patterns can repeat across a single form, like a visual echo. It reminds me of the work of Martín Ramírez, another artist who plays with echoing forms. This comb is an artwork that shows how beauty can be found in utility, and the joy of thoughtful making.