In 2010 the antler comb and dance mask from the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection were part of A History of the World, a BBC and British Museum partnership project with museums across the country. The objects, from the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, are on display in the Living Area. They were selected to tell the history of Norfolk and its place in the world.

The dance mask was made by the Kuba in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, from wood, raffia cloth and beads obtained through trading. The mask represents the royal female ancestor of the Kuba, yet her dance could only be performed by men at ceremonies and festivals.

The antler comb was collected in July 1794 at Cross Sound, southern Alaska, during Captain George Vancouver�s Pacific voyage on HMS Discovery (1791-5). Born in 1757 in King�s Lynn, Norfolk, Captain Vancouver sailed on James Cook�s second and third voyages.

To find out more about the antler comb read more »

Don�t miss A History of the World website where you can see objects from the British Museum and 350 museums across the country click here

Artist Sarah Florence-Nash has designed a fabulous Activity Sketchbook with drawing, fun facts and things to do. View the Activity Sketchbook