Record

Heckle and moss hair

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From Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire

Postcard of Heckle and moss hair.
000-100-103-179-C
© National Museums Scotland

Heckle and moss hair

A heckle was used to comb plant fibres, especially flax but also moss hair, into a suitable state for spinning. This wooden heckle, and the two bunches of moss hair, one plaited, were found at Buiston Crannog in Ayrshire. They date between 585 and 630.

Wood and moss hair survive only when conditions are favourable. Although incomplete, enough remains of the heckle and the moss hair bundles to determine details.

Plant and animal fibres were used to produce a wide range of common products in addition to cloth, including nets, basketry, string and rope. Few examples survive, and of those which do, there is rarely enough to determine the size, shape or function.


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Online ID: 000-100-103-179-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.HV 936
Date: 585 - 630 AD
585 - 630 AD
Between 585 and 630
Material: Hair moss
Wood
Dimensions:
What: Comb / heckle
Hair moss / plait / bundle
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
Event:
Description: Wood comb or heckle, possibly for preparation of hair-moss, from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire, 585 - 630 AD
Plait or bundle of hair-moss, from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire, 585 - 630 AD
References:
Translations:
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