Those objects that changed our lives: the comb

#yt:lI3trS_0tmM The comb is an object that travelled through times and countries. This object that seems a bit common reflects every civilization state through the different materials -bones, wood, ivory, horn, turtle shell, metal, plastic -it is composed of. Zoom on this tool full of history and symbols.

[row] [one_half] The comb exists since time immemorial. The first ones as we know them today were designed, by prehistoric men, from animals bones. They use them above all for taking the skin of animal off, then they decided to use it for their beard, and later for their hair. [/one_half] [one_half] [/one_half] [/row]

The messager

Some millenniums after, Egyptians used combs more as an ornaments. In deed, numerous copies were found in Syria and on it Arabic blessing were written in Nashki. A lily flower complete the comb, a lily flower is the symbol of purity, chaste love and nobility. On the comb above, it is written “Count only on yourself”

Source of African legends

Legends about combs are numerous in the black-brown (or negmarrons), an ancient black population called cimarrón by the Spaniards, which means “the one who lives on the peak”. The word was borrowed from the Arawaks, it refers to pets that went back to the wild, a combination of two definitions that gave cause for a definition of runaway slaves. Stemming from African myths and use by the Neg marrons and Creoles, the legend tells the story of Maman Dilo (or Wata Mama) the mother of water, and tropics mermaid. It is said that she left on purpose a comb on the Arrouague rock near the Iracoubo river, so that the one who'll find it will fall in love with her. According to the legend, there is a chance that this person will dream about Maman Dilo, will be rich, lucky and successful. The mermaid myth is took up by this African legend, but the comb replace the traditional mystical and dangerous songs of these fish-women.

A traditional Spanish symbol

The Peineta is a traditional big Spanish comb that ornate women's hair. This ornament designed in the XIX century, has one rounded part and the other is teeth-shaped and fit well in the bun. During that time, this hair ornament was created from turtle shell. Today, to preserve these species, the peinetas has been replaced by peinetas created from synthetic materials. The Celluloid for instance, copy perfectly the texture and aspect of the comb and give an authentic aspect. Nowadays, the peineta is used in traditional parties like corridas, Easter or weddings. Moreover, the comb is primarily used as an accessory to mantilla, this light veil wore by catholic women at the mass. [row] [one_third]

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A magic fashion accessory

For the laziest, the magic comb, composed of two little combs linked to each other by decorated elastics, makes it easier and faster to do a hairstyle. Once the comb fixed, the hair doesn't move. Moreover, it goes well with clothes. The elastics can have pearls, loose stones, wood, feather, etc, on them. The possibilities are endless ! Any women can wear it, whichever the type of hair, age, style, etc. Other interesting point : its price. The average cost of a “magic” comb is between 8 and 15€. [/two_third] [/row]