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comb

human history
  • Other Name

    helu (Tongan)

  • Description

    Helu. Comb. Helu (comb) or helu tu'aniu (coconut midrib comb) as they are commonly referred to, are ornamental combs which are worn by females in Tonga. They are a popular personal adornment amongst Tongan women and girls alike, and rose to popularity in the 18th century. Helu are primarily made from tu'aniu (coconut midrib), bound with pulu'i niu (coconut husk) and decorated with beads.

    Helu can also be made from other materials such as wood and tortoise shell and are ornately carved. This helu is made from tu'aniu and has been decoratively lashed with black and brown pulu'i niu, there is a thick lashed section and then above this are smaller lashed motifs.

  • Place
    Tonga/Pacific
  • Accession Date
    Unknown
  • Other Id

    14723.6 (ethnology)

    L8 (Edge-Partington)

  • Department

    Pacific

comb, 14723.6, L8, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • comb, 14723.6, L8, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • comb, 14723.6, L8, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • comb, 14723.6, L8, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • comb

Artefact

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