Record
Weaving combs from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
Add to album
Weaving combs were used to beat the threads together during weaving. These two combs were made from the bone of a sea mammal such as a whale or dolphin. They were found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney, and were used sometime between 200 BC and 400 AD.
The weaving combs have long handles and preserve most of their teeth. One has been decorated with an incised saltire cross, a motif found on a number of combs of this period.
Weaving has a long history. Upright looms were used by about 1000 BC, although usually only loom weights survive. Objects such as combs, pin beaters and weaving swords, associated with 'beating up' the threads to make the weaving regular, are also known.
Record details
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-000-136-624-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay)
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland X.GB 99
- Date: Between 200 BC and 400 AD
- Material: Bone, cetacean; long-handled
Bone, cetacean; long-handled; saltire decoration
Comb, weaving
Comb, weaving - Dimensions: 4.40" L
4.40" L - What: Comb, weaving
Comb, weaving - Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian - Event:
- Description: Long-handled weaving comb of cetacean bone, from the Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
Long-handled weaving comb of cetacean bone with saltire decoration, from Burrian - References:
- MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 84, 110-1 (nos. 181 & 170).
- Translations:
- Related Records: