Combs from Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney

These bone combs were found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. They were used sometime between 500 and 900.

The combs were made by cutting small plates of bone into teeth, and then riveting these between two connecting plates in the middle. All the combs preserve iron rivets, and have been decorated with ring and dot decoration.

The small combs, one single-sided and one double-sided, were probably used to comb beards and moustaches, as well as for de-lousing. The larger double-sided comb was used as a hair comb. Two combs have holes allowing them to be carried on a chain or ribbon.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-000-136-623-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0035: Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay) Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GB 71
Date:	Between 500 and 900
Material:	Bone, composite; double-sided; four plates; end suspension hole; ring-and-dot ornament and longitudinal grooves on transverse ribs Bone, composite; double-sided; seven plates; end suspension hole; ring-and-dot ornament Bone, composite; round-backed; single-edged; five plates; ring-and-dot ornament
Dimensions:	2.60" L 3.20" L 5.50" L
What:	Comb Comb, hair Comb, hair
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
Event:
Description:	Single-sided, composite bone hair comb with ring-and-dot ornament, from Burrian, North Ronaldsay Double-sided, composite comb of bone with ring-and-dot ornament, from Burrian, North Ronaldsay Double-sided, composite bone hair comb with ring-and-dot ornament, from Burrian, North Ronaldsay
References:	MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 80-4, 110 (nos. 152, 153, 149).
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