Story: History of immigration

Betty Guard’s hair comb

Betty Guard’s hair comb

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 blow of a Māori club.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: I.006440

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'History of immigration - A growing settlement: 1825 to 1839', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1541/betty-guards-hair-comb (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Aug 2015