Bamboo party comb for men with movable tail

Unknown artist

Party comb, worn by the men (on the north coast of New Guinea the women don't wear combs). The loaner doesn't mention at which feasts these combs were worn.\ The rope wrapping around the top of the comb was probably to prevent tearing. In addition to being a general ornament, the hair comb also had a number of symbolic roles in these areas. If the comb is decorated with feathers, then the wearer has already swept a head (for the pacification of this area). A man without feathers in his comb was held in low esteem. Someone with a lot of feathers in his comb liked to show it off. Young people on the verge of becoming involved usually wore combs that were carved and decorated with patches, while on the east coast of the Geelvinkbaai (Waropen) the exchange of combs between young people was (is) a sign of mutual affection. Clan chiefs had their own combs etc. during initiative celebrations.