This seven pronged comb, or 'duafe' in Akan, is topped with a scalloped semi-circular edge, carved and pierced. Traditionally 'duafe' is one of many Adinkra symbols, a serious of visual motifs created by the Akan to symbolise concepts, sayings or or proverbs. In Akan tradition, the 'duafe' symbol is representative of beauty, femininity and cleanliness. This particular item was presented to the University of Birmingham by Sister Evelyn Bellamy in 1968.

Sister Evelyn Bellamy was a Methodist Missionary in Ghana and between 1914 and 1943, during which time she occupied the post of headmistress of Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. The Danford Collection is home to a large number of objects presented by Sister Evelyn Bellamy and some of her papers can be accesssed through the Cadbury Research Library.

1 Related People