Sheephorn Orchid and Bee Hair Ornament

This hair ornament was designed in the style of combs and hair ornaments from the Art Nouveau period, particularly the work of Lalique. The greater part of the comb and orchid are carved from a single piece of longhorn sheep horn, with added dimension within the orchid created with carved warthog tusk. This flower is adorned with two bees fabricated in silver and 18K gold. An additional element is a silver Ladybug on the underside. The bees are positioned as a secondary element, adding scale and contrast against the larger floral form. The design relies on recognizable natural imagery as do so many of the images from the Art Nouveau period.