Crowns
“Hair is more than adornment. It is culture, identity and memory.”
— Simone Brewster
Crowns explores the cultural significance of Black hair as a site of identity, heritage and artistic expression. Inspired by the sculptural language of traditional African hairstyles, the collection celebrates hair not simply as adornment, but as a living archive of craftsmanship, community and belonging.
Hand-carved from black palm wood with accents of sapele, each comb draws on the distinctive hairstyles of specific African communities. The forms translate intricate traditions of braiding, shaping and ornamentation into contemporary sculptural objects, honouring generations of knowledge passed through making and ritual.
Rather than functioning solely as everyday tools, the combs occupy a space between sculpture and artefact. They recognise hair as a powerful form of cultural expression—one that has long communicated identity, status, celebration and resilience. Through Crowns, Brewster reimagines these traditions as contemporary objects that celebrate the enduring artistry and significance of Black hair.
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![Five Heritage Comb hand-carved from black palm wood with accents of sapele. The comb draws on the distinctive hairstyles of specific African communities]()
Crown 1: Five Pronged Heritage Comb
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![Five prong comb laid flat on white surface hand-carved from black palm wood with accents of sapele. The comb draws on the distinctive hairstyles of specific African communities]()
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Crown 2: Three Pronged Heritage Comb
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![Three prong comb laid flat on white surface hand-carved from black palm wood with accents of sapele. The comb draws on the distinctive hairstyles of specific African communities]()
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Crown 3: Four Pronged Heritage Comb
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Let’s Work Together
For commissions, exhibitions, acquisitions, speaking engagements or collaborations, the studio welcomes enquiries.