The Chicago Comb Model No. 7 made of carbon fibres is antistatic, robust and resistant to heat and chemicals. Originally developed for the care of Afro hair, the Afro Pick is much more than just a comb. It became a symbol of resistance against eurocentric ideals of beauty.
In the context of the Black Power movement and the slogan “Black is beautiful” in the 1960s and 1970s, the Afro Pick became an expression of Black self-determination and Black pride. Similar to the black beret of the Black Panthers, the raised fist or the peacock chair, the Afro Pick also became a political symbol of this era.
The Chicago Comb Model No. 7 is part of the collection since 2024 as well as part of the interventions “Wish You Were Here”, which can be seen in the permanent exhibition until June 16, 2025.
This text was written by Josephine Apraku. The interventions are part of the project “Der Blick zurück” (Looking Back) (2024) and are taking place under the direction of Josephine Apraku.
