North West Wood Hair Comb

Late 19th Century

.5" H x 4.5" L x 2.1875" W

Hand Carved from Wood with a Raven Motif Design on Each Side

In Very Good Condition

Northwest Coast Indigenous wooden hair combs with raven motifs are traditional carved artifacts from cultures such as the Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida, and related groups of the Northwest Coast of North America. These combs  were functional for detangling hair and served as personal ornaments or ceremonial items. They were typically worn in elaborate hairstyles during dances and ceremonies by both men and women. Designs often feature crest animals, mythological figures, or shamanic themes from clan histories. Combs rank among the most highly decorated Northwest Coast artifacts, with classic formline styles appearing by around A.D. 800.