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Bone comb

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From Freswick Links, Caithness

Bone comb
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This bone comb was found at Freswick Links in Caithness. It is a type of comb manufactured in present-day northern Germany, and was probably brought to Scotland by Norse traders, or as a personal gift, between 1275 and 1300.

The double-sided comb consists of plates of bone cut into teeth, riveted together between two connecting plates. Each side is offset, with teeth of differing thickness. The comb has beaked ends, decorated with a double dot in circle motif.

An important late Norse farm existed in Freswick Bay. It is mentioned in Norse sagas, and a series of buildings have been excavated, most dating between the 11th and 13th century.

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