Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumba Island, East Sumbanese people, ca. 19th century CE. A massive hand-carved woman's ornamental comb known as a Hai Kara Jangga made of sea turtle shell. The slightly curved profile is formed from a single piece that has dozens of tines along the lower third and an ornate open work finial. The motif contains a large central peacock with the tail fanned out behind the bird's head, and flanking the sides are pairs of peacocks in profile with their wings raised and tails fanned out. Aristocratic women wore these combs like crowns during special events and festivals, and the animals depicted were associated with power and fertility and the turtle shell itself was also a symbol of nobility. These combs were especially precious heirlooms and stored within the upper peak of the clan house for safe keeping when not in use. Size: 7" L x 5.8" H (17.8 cm x 14.7 cm)

For a similar example, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, accession number: 1987.447.15.

Several states and countries prohibit the importation of materials from endangered species, including tortoise shell / sea turtle shell. Please check your country’s laws before bidding on this piece. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1973

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#168534

Chips and surface abrasions. The tip of the very uppermost edge is loose and not attached to the wingtip of leftmost bird. Age and use expected wear to the comb teeth.