Comb c. 16th century

Curator: This small object from the Harvard Art Museums, titled "Comb," presents quite an intriguing puzzle. It's maker is unidentified. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the material; the raw texture of the clay and the rudimentary carving give it a tactile, almost primal feel. Curator: Indeed. Its function as a comb is undeniable, but the detailed figural scene above transforms it beyond mere utility. How might its original owner have perceived its value? Editor: Considering its materiality, perhaps not as "high art," but as a crafted object imbued with social meaning. Was it a luxury item, reflecting the owner's status, or something more commonplace, reflecting a broader artistic sensibility? Curator: That is difficult to discern. The figures themselves offer a space for interpretation—do you see anything in particular? Editor: The balance between the earthly quality of the material and the idealized figures creates a fascinating tension. It makes you think of the rituals of grooming and adornment as having profound meaning. Curator: An object to prompt one to reflect on what is truly important. Editor: Exactly. A thought-provoking piece, indeed.