FIJI / TONGA COMB La Korrigane 1934/36

An exceptionally large and very fine chiefly comb composed of some 20 tines and profusely decorated with finely strung trade beads of various colors. The top section is fashioned to present a geometric motif of intertwined tines.

Although collected by the La Korrigane expedition in Fiji it appears from the style and manufacturing technic that this is a Helu or chiefly comb from Tonga. The two archipelagos were in both constant conflict as well as commercial trade and ritualized royal marriages. Thus, a royal comb made for the Tongans can easily of been exchanged or carried over to Fiji where it would fit naturally into the local customs and culture.

Tonga Islands, Polynesia – collected on Makutu Island, Lau Group, Fiji, Polynesia
Wood, coconut fiber and European trade beads. Various old lacunae and wear.
51 x 11 cm. 19/20th century


 

Provenance Collected in field by Monique de Ganay in April 1935 during the La Korrigane Expedition.
Field collection number 164. Musée de l’Homme deposit number D.39.3.62. embossed on metal inventory tag.
The field inventory states : Comb seru (iseru) in wood (duvu) with 21 tines strung with brown fibers and decorated with red, white and blue glass beads. Exchanged against an old dress with an elderly woman on Makutu Island by Monique de Ganay in April 1935.