about      contact


Out of an interest in how history is embodied in an object, I chose an item that exists for many years and whose function hasn't changed with time. I explored the evolution of the comb's form and function. The project is a modern expression of the traditional manufacturing processes and cultural aspects of the comb.

Brushed brass, oak, fishbone, laser sintered nylon plastic

Scallop:

This decorational comb references the Andalusian comb Peineta. The Peineta is a hair ornament, customarily carved out of tortoise shell and worn by women. The origin of the Peineta goes back to the 19th Century in Spain. It was usually fashioned after seashells. I analyzed the shape of a scallop shell to understand its fractal nature. I deconstructed it into geometrical segments to arrive at the final pattern.



Whale:
In their spare time, sailors on whaling ships carved hair combs for their women out of whale bones. This art was known as Scrimshaw. It began on whaling ships between 1745 to 1759 on the Pacific Ocean, and survived until the ban on commercial whaling. I also took into account the physiology of whales like the Baleen whale, that has a row of plates resembling the teeth of a comb on its upper jaw, used to filter fish and other sea life as it feeds.



Fish:

Primitive combs were made out of actual fish bones. I selected a bone and made it into a comb by attaching a wooden handle. I chose a Salmon bone for its sturdiness and flexibility. It was boiled and soaked in acid to remove fats and meat residue.



© COPYRIGHT ELINOR PORTNOY 2021. ALL RIGHTs RESERVED