Bone comb

Add to album

This bone comb was found at the high-status lake dwelling at Buiston Crannog in Ayrshire. It was used sometime between 600 and 800.

The double-sided comb consists of plates of bone cut into teeth, riveted together between two connecting plates on either side in the middle (generally termed a composite comb). It is decorated with incised ring and dot stamps.

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

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-043-372-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HV 50
• Date: Between 600 and 800
  
• Material: Bone; double-edged
  Comb, hair
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Comb, hair
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
  
• Event:
• Description: Double-sided, composite bone hair comb, from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: