Comb of antler

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This antler comb was found in a woman's grave at Westness on Rousay in Orkney. She was buried with tools and ornaments, some perhaps brought from Scandinavia, sometime between 850 to 925.

The comb consists of plates of antler cut into teeth, riveted together between two connecting plates on top (generally termed a composite comb). The corroding metal rivets are visible. Both the top plate and tooth section have ring and dot decoration.

Combs of this type were widely distributed in northern Europe during the Viking period, and their places of production are not certain. Some have elaborate decoration and cases. They are found in both men's and women's graves.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-244-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.767
• Date: 850 - 925 AD
  Between 850 and 925
  
• Material: Comb
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Comb
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Westness
  
• Event:
• Description: Comb from Westness, Orkney, 850 - 925 AD
  
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