Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Comb fragment from Wigber Low
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Comb fragment from Wigber Low
Dimensions : Length 3.8cm, maximum width 2.3cm.
Site name : Wigber Low
Site type : Burial site
Time period : Anglo-Saxon
Material : Bone or antler; Iron; Metal
Object type : Grave goods; Personal item
Museum number : 1981.1.3193
This small decorated fragment of bone or antler was found at Wigber Low. It is part of a double sided composite comb.
Composite combs are so called because, unlike modern one-piece combs, they are made of several parts fitted together. The teeth are cut into a series of small tooth plates. These are placed between two connecting plates, which form the back of the comb. Iron rivets pass through both the connecting plates and tooth plates, and hold the comb together.
This piece of comb is very fragmentary. However, enough survives for us to imagine the appearance of the original comb.
Bibliography :
Collis, J. , 1983
Glossary:
Medieval
Rivet
Roman
Related objects
Strap end from Wigber Low
Pin from Galley Low
Waste from bone handle making
Macehead from Liffs Low
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