East Sumbanese ornamental hair combs, estimated $1000-2000 at Material Culture.
Known as a hai kara jangga and made of a single piece of sea turtle shell, these diadems were typically made for aristocratic women to be worn during special events and festivals.
Both the material used and the animals depicted were associated with power, fertility and status.
The combs were considered precious heirlooms and were stored in the rafters of the clan house for safe keeping when not in use.
This trio of 19th century hai kara jangga come for sale as part of an offering of ethnographic, ancient, Asian art and textiles, at Material Culture on September 28. Estimate $1000-2000.
