112 



Art. Vir. — A. Matsnmura 



combs is comparatively small, since the teeth are set more closely. 

 Moreover, the combs in Yap appear quite nice and flexible com- 

 pared with those found in Truk, which is probably owing to the 

 difference in the materials used. Sometimes the natives have 

 ornamental combs with feathers attached to the handle. 



Class system is strictly enforced in Yap, where even the wearing 

 of ornaments is not permitted to everybody. There are consequently 

 restrictions on the use of combs, free men alone are entitled to wear 

 them, slaves being forbidden to use them or other ornaments under 

 pains of heavy punishment. The size of the comb differs, it is 

 said, according to the social standing of the wearer ; so that it will 

 be seen that coinbs are worn in Yap not only for practical use 

 and ornament but also as a mark of class distinction, which as 

 has already been stated is often the case with tattooing. 



Fig. 41. — Combs from Palau. 



