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Combs from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney

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Combs from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
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These bone combs were found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. They were used sometime between 500 and 900.

The combs were made by cutting small plates of bone into teeth, and then riveting these between two connecting plates in the middle. All the combs preserve iron rivets, and have been decorated with ring and dot decoration.

The small combs, one single-sided and one double-sided, were probably used to comb beards and moustaches, as well as for de-lousing. The larger double-sided comb was used as a hair comb. Two combs have holes allowing them to be carried on a chain or ribbon.

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