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STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHS

BONE COMB (TYA 631: 321)

Type: Two-edged comb, bone.

Use: Combing of hair.

Site: Raisio, Ihala, Mulli abode.

Period: Crusade Age / Early Middle Ages.

Dating: 1100-1220 A.D.

Size: 58 mm × 58 mm × 9 mm.

Photographer: Antti Huittinen.

Found in the Mulli abode, this comb was handy and small. It has a hole for a fastening loop. Two-sided combs, such as this one, have been dated to the late Viking period and early medieval period, from the 11th century to the 12th century.

In the grave finds of Luistari in Eura, the combs were discovered near the waist of the body. It is possible that they might have hung from the belt of the owner.

It was important to take care of one's hair because of the appearance but maybe also because the hair was believed to contain magical powers.

Sources:

• Broberg & Hasselmo 1981: 72-73, 121, 133.
• Carpelan 1961.
• Kivikoski 1973: 612, 613, 941-943, 1211, 1212.
• Lehtosalo-Hilander 1982: 65.
• Selirand 1989: 112.

Other related topics:

• Bone
• Tools and utensils.

Coordinates: x=96.7, y=510.6, z=678, 2nd layer.

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