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Wood hair comb from Ghana, 1950s. Creator: Unknown
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Wood hair comb from Ghana, 1950s. Creator: Unknown
It had been assumed that the afro comb was invented in the 1970s when the afro hairstyle became popular in the West, along with the Black is beautiful movement. However this type of comb actually dates back to ancient Egypt. Afro pick comb from Ghana in West Africa, made of light coloured wood. It is not glossy and has probably not been treated. Of the six teeth, one on the far left is broken off near the tip. There is an abstract design incised into the front of the comb. The top part of the design near the top of the handle of the comb is colored in a purple color. There is a hole at the end of the handle. A piece of masking tape with [GHANA] written in black ink is stuck to the reverse
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Media ID 23861275
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1950s Afro Black History Comb Cultural Heritage Fifties Ghana Ghanaian Heritage Nmaahc Reed William E Afro American
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable wood hair comb from Ghana, dating back to the 1950s. Contrary to popular belief, this afro pick comb predates the 1970s when the iconic hairstyle gained popularity in the West. Its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. Crafted from light-colored untreated wood, this comb possesses a natural and rustic appeal. Examining its intricate details, we notice that one of its six teeth is broken near the tip. The front of the comb features an abstract design incised into it, with a vibrant purple color adorning the top part near the handle. At first glance, one might also spot a hole at the end of its handle. On closer inspection, we find a small piece of masking tape affixed to its reverse side bearing [GHANA] written in black ink—an intriguing addition that adds historical context and authenticity to this artifact. Preserved within the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), this wooden hair comb serves as a testament to Ghana's rich cultural heritage and signifies an important era in African American history. Though created by an unknown artist or craftsman, it stands as a tangible reminder of our shared past and continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and significance.
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