Two Fine Old Solomon Islands Hair Comb Makira Island 19th Century

Two Fine Old Hair Comb Ornaments Makira Island the Solomon Islands 19th Century

These two very beautiful old Hair Comb Ornaments with fine shell inlay are from Makira Island also known as San Christobal Island in the Eastern Solomon Islands.

The combs were made in the late 19th Century, They are called Arapa Reoreo, they were worn in the hair as ornaments and sometimes they had feathers or colored fiber attached to the top of the comb.

These finely made combs are made by specialists with shell inlays set in black nut putty. The Solomon Islanders are famous for their shell work and shell inlays were used on many types of ceremonial objects including the famous Nusu Nusu Canoe Prow Ornaments and Ceremonial Bowls

Fine Comb Ornaments like these along with Shell Money Ornaments are an important type of traditional currency in the Solomon Islands and throughout the Pacific Island in general.

Traditional wealth objects like these were often part of a bridal dowry or used payments for compensation in disputes about land or gardens. Each family had some hair comb ornaments and sets of shell money ornaments that were worn on important ceremonial occasions.  The two old field photos both show men wearing combs in their hair.

Provenance: Old Collection Australia & The Todd Barlin Collection of Solomon Islands Art

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