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Comb and beads

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from Balnakeil, Durness, Sutherland

Postcard of Comb and beads.
000-000-099-781-C
© National Museums Scotland

Comb and beads

This antler comb, two amber beads and a glass bead were found in a Viking boy's burial at Balnakeil near Durness in Sutherland in 1991. He was buried with adult weapons and various objects on a bedding of feathers and straw, sometime between 850 and 900.

The comb survives in seven fragments. The teeth plates were inserted into the back plate and fastened with iron rivets. The comb appears to have been a simple design with little decoration.

Beads are often found in Viking children's graves, generally worn as necklaces, perhaps as amulets. This burial is unusual in having more than one amber bead. The glass bead is a late 9th century type usually found in Scandinavia and the Baltic areas.


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Online ID: 000-000-099-781-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0036: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  
Date: Reconstruction: 1998; Original objects: between 850 and 900
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References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 140-2. 
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