Record

Comb

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from Westness, Rousay, Orkney

Postcard of Comb.
000-100-104-750-C
© National Museums Scotland

Comb

This antler comb was found in the grave of a wealthy Viking man. He was buried at Westness on Rousay in Orkney between 850 and 950 with a range of weapons, tools and personal items like this comb.

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. The top plate has 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: 000-100-104-750-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.1030
Date: 850 - 950
Between 850 and 950
Material: Deerhorn
Dimensions:
What:
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Orkney, Rousay, Westness
Event:
Description: Antler comb from Westness oval grave, Rousay, Orkney, 850 - 950
References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 136-7. 
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