Bone comb

This bone comb was found at the high-status lake dwelling at Buiston Crannog in Ayrshire. It was used sometime between 600 and 800.

The double-sided comb consists of plates of bone cut into teeth, riveted together between two connecting plates on either side in the middle (generally termed a composite comb). It is decorated with incised ring and dot stamps.

Combs are known in Scotland from the last few centuries BC onwards. They were used for grooming hair (as this one), beards and moustaches, as well as for de-lousing. Some, such as this one, were carefully made and were meant for display.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-372-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 50
Date:	Between 600 and 800
Material:	Bone; double-edged
Dimensions:
What:	Comb, hair
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Ayrshire, Buiston Crannog
Event:
Description:	Double-sided, composite bone hair comb, from Buiston Crannog, Ayrshire
References:
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