Clinched fist pick

Description

Documented by the manufacturer as a 'clinched fist pick', this afro comb was injection moulded in nylon (polyamide) by M.A. Industries, US, circa 1980s. With 12 tines, it is sealed within its original packaging and was sold by the shop K&B, at a cost of $1.49 (this example is deadstock). The long, wide teeth of the comb are used to lift tight curls, stretching the hair out from the roots into a desired style or shape using a picking motion. The pick has retained essentially the same design throughout history, from early examples discovered in ancient Egypt. In the 1970s, the clenched fist head pick was first introduced, believed to have been created by Anthony R. Romani in the US in 1972, patented in 1976. It became an evocative symbol representing Black cultural identity. See AIBDC : 009128 for a plain head pick.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Manufacturer

Inscriptions

printed: "Quality by M.A. Industries. Unbreakable Ntaural Afro. M.A. Industries, Inc. PO Box 2322. Peachtree City, GA. 30269. New Nylon. No. 400-c." (Front of packaging)
printed: "K&B. Price $1.49" (shop price label)

Object number

AIBDC : 009129

Date

1980 - 1989 (circa)

Country

Dimensions
Width
77mm
Depth
6mm
Length
180mm

Colour