Context (Amendments / updates)
In the accession register, Z 11917 is a comb. A "small wooden bird, part of mask + mask" has been added to the entry. Z 11918 is a mask. It appears that two masks have been given the number Z 11918.
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Labels & Markings)
Written on rear in pencil: '27[29]'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Auction / Sale)
Purchased using money from Prof. A.A. Bevan’s subscription to the Museum’s Accessions Fund.
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Related Documents)
In different handwriting on catalogue card: 'Another object, which has the number 2729 marked clearly on it, which should therefore be Z 11917 also is the wooden mask described on next card. It had been given the number Z 11918, but this would seem to belong to another mask, numbered 2730 and also Z 11918. I have therefore changed the numbering and made a new card. (K.H.).'


Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Field collection)
Collected by Northcote W. Thomas in Edo State, Agenibode (now Agene(g)bode) town. The inhabitants belong to the Edo ethnic group, and also identify themselves further as Yekhee people. The language they speak is also referred to as Etsako. See Blench, R. M., 1995. The Work of N.W. Thomas as Government Anthropologist in Nigeria. The Nigerian Field, 60, pp.29.

Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Wooden comb, plain on reverse.'
In pencil: 'There are 2 similar combs with this number'.
In different handwriting: 'Another object with this number is a small, carved bird of wood - part of a mask (ogbodu).'

Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Labels & Markings)
Thomas label adhered to rear of comb reads: '379 | Agenibode | 2729 / Comb, five large prongs, top carved on side.'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Labels & Markings)
Written on rear in white pen: 'T10.397'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Related Documents)
See E 1910.118 and E 1913.3 records for further details about the Thomas Collection from Nigeria. [T.Cotterill]

Event Date 7/5/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Physical description)
5 pronged wooden comb with an adhered Thomas Collection label. It is numbered 2729 written on the adhered Thomas label. This matches the pencil description on the facing page in the Thomas Catalogue. The typed description notes 2729 as an 'Ogbodu', but 'mask' has been added in pencil. [K. Sutton]
Event Date 11/6/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Display)
On display in the 'Origins of the Afro Comb: 6000 years of Culture, Politics and Identity' exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum July 1-November 3 2013. The exhibition label for the two combs with this number states: 'Hair combs
Made from wood (39)
and wood and pigment (40)
Before 1914
From Agenegbode, South Nigeria
Yekhee, Edo Culture
Made by Yekhee Artists
Collected by N.W. Thomas'.
Event Date 23/7/2013
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Amendments / updates)
Record updated as part of the Museum Affordances project 2018-2020

Event Date 1/11/2018
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Physical description)
Small wooden comb with five prongs and incised decoration on one side of the handle. The handle is fan shaped at the end with a denticulated edge, and has incised triangles and lines on one side only. The other side of the handle is plain, as are the five prongs.
Event Date 2/11/2018
Author: Katrina Dring

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Description (Physical description)
Comb carved from wood. Five prongs with sloping shoulder and a semi-circular handle with a denticulated edge; decorated with incised triangles and lines on one side only.
Event Date 22/10/2021
Author: Katrina Dring