This beautiful comb was hand carved in buffalo bone by local atisans on the island of Sumba in Indonesia, made as per ancient techniques with traditional motifs from the area. In Sumba people have practiced animism since ancient times, something which is incorporated in the carving of statues, objects and ornamental motifs, as an invitation to the guardian spirits to move into the items, offering protection and guidance. Their ancestral religion is called Marapu, meaning the occupants of the eternal heaven, who lead a similar existence to men, and live in couples. The Sumbanese believe that the Marapu has a mysterious and magical authority over human life, teaching how to achieve the balance of life leading to happiness.
Sumbanese believe seven pairs of men and women descended from the sky on a ladder made of buffalo horns to a central part of the island. They believe that if they are suitably buried, they too will ascend this same ladder and be reunited with their families.

It comes complete with a black metal stand and its story printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being handmade each comb is slightly different.

 Dimensions: 35 by 20cm stand included

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