The Nagas

Hill Peoples of Northeast India

Project Introduction The Naga Database
caption: footnotes
text: 12. These combs are of two kinds, one coarse, for general use and the other fine, for the removal of vermin. Both measure about 6 inches long by 4 wide, and are made of bamboo splines bound together. The coarser type may only be made in the first place by a man who has taken a head, killed a tiger or other dangerous game, performed a Feast of Merit, or carried on a simultaneous liaison with a mother and daughter without either woman knowing of the other affair. Once made, such a comb may be used by any man, regardless of his personal attainments.