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This tortoiseshell comb belonged to whaler Jacky Guard’s wife Betty. She was allegedly wearing it when she was attacked by Taranaki Māori after the ship on which they were travelling to Australia was blown ashore. It is said that the teeth of the comb were lodged in Elizabeth’s head by the force of a blow from a club.
Using this item
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: I.006440
Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.