Comb

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This miniature bone comb was found at Bowermadden in Caithness. It may have been used to comb a beard or moustache. The comb dates from between 150 BC to 100 AD.

The comb is made of bone, with all but one of its close-spaced teeth surviving, and with a hollow arched back.

Combs are known in Scotland from the last few centuries BC onwards. Miniature combs like this one were probably used for grooming facial hair. Larger combs, for head hair, were used not only as grooming tools but also for de-lousing.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-837-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GA 89
• Date: Between 150 BC and 100 AD
  
• Material: Bone; one piece; single-edged
  Comb, miniature / comb, beard / comb, moustache
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Comb, miniature / comb, beard / comb, moustache
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Bowermadden
  
• Event:
• Description: Miniature bone comb, possibly a beard or moustache comb, from Bowermadden, Caithness
  
• References:
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