Discover the extraordinary 6,000-year history of
African hair combs in this joint exhibition between the
Fitzwilliam Museum and Museum of Archaeology &
Anthropology, Cambridge.
Material culture on display includes hundreds of
remarkable combs – from pre dynastic Egypt to
modern-day black fist combs referencing the Black
Power Movement – as well as associated images and
sculpture showing the wide variety of hair styles found
in Africa and around the world. There will be a special
area for digital interaction, personal stories about hair
combs and African type hair, plus live demonstrations of
contemporary styling practices.
Origins of the Afro Comb is part of Black History Matters,
the Fitzwilliam Museum’s programme of events promoting
the importance of Black history that runs in addition to the
annual celebrations every October for Black History Month.
It also forms part of the University of Cambridge Museums
Connecting Collections programme, funded by Arts Council
England.
