Comb, mid-late 1800s. Chokwe women inserted finely decorated combs and pins in their hair to signal rank and wealth. Here, as among neighboring peoples, coiffures reveal regional and temporal fashions and trends. Certain styles are exclusive to chiefs and other dignitaries. In addition to being a sign of beauty and good health, a well-groomed hairdo also suggests that the wearer relies on the help of others in its creation.

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Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: 19th, africa, angola, art, beads, central, century, chokwe, cleveland, congo, democratic, heritage, mid-late, museum, peoples, republic, unknown, wood