Whalebone Hair Comb from Aotearoa

A whalebone hair comb, Aotearoa, heru (whalebone comb). Early whalebone comb. Combs such as this were used predominantly to hold the top knot in place with whalebone being the most revered. Heru became generational taonga and were passed down families. Once broken, they were laid to rest in swamps or other bodies of water owing to their tapu nature with being in-contact with the head. This example is of fine proportions with 8 teeth and a well balanced body curving gently to the right as per stylistic preference. Presented on a custom stand. Length 7.8 cm, width 4 cm, on stand height 13.5 cm. Registered as whalebone hair comb. Provenance: Private Collection, Aotearoa