Fine combs were worn by men throughout the southeastern Solomon Islands during festivals and other ceremonial occasions. This comb is carved from a dense hardwood, with plaited coconut fiber tied at the base of the teeth, acting as a spacer. Small projections carved at the top and sides resemble the tail and pectoral fins of fish. A layer of black parinarium nut paste has been applied over the face of the comb to hold the inlaid pieces of cut nautilus shell in place. These contrast with the dark stained base of the wood and create a dazzling effect when the comb catches the light while worn.

On Ulawa, such combs are part of the attire worn during important agricultural festivals tied to the yam harvest. Combs were also an important part of the part of the ceremonial attire worn by young men during the initiation rites that marked their transition into adulthood. The ceremony involved the young men going out to sea with seasoned fishermen to catch their first bonito fish. On returning to shore, each initiate would undergo a period of seclusion in the aofa (men’s ceremonial house) before finally emerging, dressed in a full set of regalia that included shell money beads and the delicately inlaid combs. The boys’ appearance as a group, appropriately dressed and adorned, signaled that they were now grown men who had been instructed in the knowledge and skills appropriate for adulthood, and ready to take on new responsibilities within their family and community.