Comb of bone

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This bone comb was found at Dun Cuier on Barra in the Outer Hebrides. It was used sometime between 600 and 800.

The single-sided comb consists of pieces of bone or antler cut into teeth, riveted together between two connecting plates on top, broken now on one side. The body of the comb has been carved in an openwork design and stamped with ring-and-dot pattern.

Combs are known in Scotland from the last few centuries BC onwards. They were used for grooming hair, beards and mustaches, as well as de-lousing. Some, such as this one, were carefully made and were meant for display.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-039-367-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GU 269
• Date: Between 600 and 800
  
• Material: Bone; high-backed; back curved with an openwork pattern and numerous incised ring-and-dots
  Comb, hair
  
• Dimensions: 2.65" x 1.75"
  
• What: Comb, hair
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Barra, Dun Cuier
  
• Event:
• Description: Single-sided, composite bone hair comb with openwork pattern and incised ring-and-dots, from Dun Cuier, Barra
  
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