Skip to main content
Object Number 05-31-50/64980
Display Title Decorated double-sided bone comb/pin
Descriptions
Object Description Double-sided bone comb/pin with five long, pointed tines at each end. The center has a circular design of recessed concentric circles filled with matte black pigment. Note: The Embark description originally identified this material as ivory but it does not exhibit any of the morphological characteristics of elephant ivory. Under magnification it shows traces of the short striations and shallow channels that are diagnostic for bone. Peabody Number is painted on object with black paint.
Inventory Description Comb, double ended, 6 and 5 tines, incised circle and dot midsection design
Classification
  • Comb
Department Ethnographic
Culture
  • Zulu?
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa / South Africa / KwaZulu-Natal
Africa / South Africa / Zululand
Dimensions Overall: 23.8 x 2.2 x 0.4 cm (9 3/8 x 7/8 x 3/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 05-31-50/64980
Provenance
Collector Herman R. P. Cochran (before 1899 - 1905)

Important Note about Historical Language

Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.

PrimaryMedia Object Number Title Classification Geography/Provenience SHARE
Bone comb decorated with black pigment
973-43-50/11673C Bone comb decorated with black pigment
Comb
Africa
Ivory hair ornament - incised decoration, 2 teeth
29-43-50/B4784 Ivory hair ornament - incised decoration, 2 teeth
Spoon
Africa
Ivory hair ornament - incised decoration, 2 teeth
29-43-50/B4784.1 Ivory hair ornament - incised decoration, 2 teeth
Ornament
Africa
Bone hair pin
32-61-50/B5245 Bone hair pin
Pin
Madagascar
Bone (?) spoon, decorated with red paint and black pigment
973-43-50/11673B Bone (?) spoon, decorated with red paint and black pigment
Spoon
Africa
Bone (?) spoon, decorated with red paint and black pigment
973-43-50/11673A Bone (?) spoon, decorated with red paint and black pigment
Spoon
Africa
Bone snuff spoon
03-1-50/62763 Bone snuff spoon
Spoon
South Africa
Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
29-43-50/B4782 Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
Spoon
Africa
Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
29-43-50/B4782.3 Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
Spoon
Africa
Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
29-43-50/B4782.2 Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
Spoon
Africa
Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
29-43-50/B4782.1 Small ivory spoons - incised decoration
Spoon
Africa
Bone snuff spoon
06-50-50/66994 Bone snuff spoon
Spoon
South Africa