9th C. Viking Bone Comb w/ Iron Rivets

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A hair comb carved from bone, likely bovine or ungulate, with the handle and tines held together with iron rivets. The handle is formed from 2 curved panels of bone. The tines or teeth are carved from 7 separate pieces, then placed between the handle panels and then riveted together with the 9 nails. Combs were important to Vikings, and many beautification and hygiene items such as bone combs, tweezers, and cosmetics were prized possessions of Viking men and women. Viking beards were regularly washed and groomed using combs such as this example, and combs have even been found in graves. Size: 4.3" L x 2.5" W (10.9 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: Private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#167478
Condition Report: Losses and missing teeth as shown. Repaired with teeth reattached with small remains of adhesive residue to 10 tines on both ends. Stable pressure fissures to handle and small losses along the fissure lines, and ossification of the bone. Green patina to the iron rivets.