Selu (comb)

Rings, bracelets, combs and brooches were popular forms of personal adornment made in Samoa from at least the 1920’s to the present day. They were typically made of turtle shell, coconut shell and coloured glass. Many of them feature a silver inset of words and/or motifs.

Acquisition History

This ornamental comb is made from turtle shell andis part of a small collection of jewellery, ornaments and textiles that belonged to Percy Williams, founding headmaster (1924–27) of Avele Agricultural School and teacher (1928–31) at Malifa School, Samoa. Many of Samoa’s future leaders attended these schools, benefiting from the foundations that Williams helped to establish. These items were donated to Te Papa by Barbara Williams in 1986.