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

Description (Labels & Markings)
Written in pencil on rear: '2729'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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

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

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

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card for Z 11917: '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

Description (Labels & Markings)
Thomas/Bevan label attached with string reads: 'T.C. / COMB'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

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

Description (Physical description)
Comb has 2729 written on it in pencil. This comb is identical to the first one found [Z 11917.3, KMD 02/11/2018]. One prong is slightly damaged with the tip broken off and missing. It is accompnaied by a Thomas/Bevan label, which does not have a number marked on it. [K. Sutton]
Event Date 11/6/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

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

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

Event Date 1/11/2018
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Physical description)
Small wooden comb with five prongs and handle decorated on one side. The handle is fan shaped at the end with a denticulated edges and has incised lines on one side only. The back is plain. The five prongs are also plain and the tip of one of them is broken off. It seems likely that the tip of this prong remains in the mask Z 11917.1 to which the comb belongs.
Event Date 2/11/2018
Author: Katrina Dring

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. Tip of one prong broken and missing.
Event Date 22/10/2021
Author: Katrina Dring