Hopi Woman Combing a Man's Hair, 1879 (albumen print)

According to James Stevenson's original note for this photograph (prepared circa 1885), the 'brush–like comb used combines two articles in one. A bunch of long round–bladed grass is selected, and around the butt of it, a short distance from the end, a string is tightly wrapped. The butt–end is utilized as a comb, while the long end is used as a broom, and sometimes as a strainer. For the latter use, the brush end is flattened by the hand and thumb. This is held over a bowl, and the goats milk poured through it. The picture shows some of the details of hair–dressing among the Hopi.' First Mesa, Arizona, probably Walpi Pueblo. The Hopi are a federally recognized tribe of Native American people.