Baule Wood Comb on Stand - Ivory Coast

From Jofa African Imports, "Hair braiding is a favorite pastime of African women.  Besides getting a beautiful new doo, it provides an opportunity to sit and relax and catch up on village affairs.  The comb is used to undo the last braids and to remove tangles." Braiding styles like cornrows have a rich history and cultural significance in West Africa, often representing status, beauty, and community identity.

This is a vintage wood comb and is mounted on a metal base.

Approximate dimensions: 6.25" x 3.5" x .5".

Made in Côte d’Ivoire.

Jofa African Imports began in 2002 by the husband-wife team, Joe and Fatou, who met in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. They wanted to specialize in arts and crafts from the rich cultures of West Africa. Travels have taken them to Burkina, Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo.

Over the years, their purchases have enriched the lives of many artisans and their families. With the upheavals in West Africa, their business travel has been curtailed, but fortunately, they have collected treasures, many stashed away for a long time, to keep their business afloat. They note a few things to remember: their pieces are handmade, no two items are alike, many are vintage and all have human and natural imperfections.