An intricately carved medieval comb, first unearthed in the 1980s, has returned to display at the Scottish site where it was found.
The Jedburgh Comb is a rare artefact, thought to date from the late 11th or early 12th century, which was discovered at Jedburgh Abbey in the Borders.
Found alongside a wealth of evidence for life at the medieval abbey, the ivory comb is now back “home” after undergoing conservation, with a new display case and updated interpretation telling the story of the 1984 excavation that uncovered it.
Also returning with the comb are an early walrus ivory seal pendant, a bone buckle, a whetstone, a pottery lamp and a storage jar.
The items are part of the collections of National Museums Scotland (NMS), which undertook the conservation work. They are on loan to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Jedburgh Abbey on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
The Jedburgh Comb, as it has come to be known, was carved from walrus ivory and features intricately carved mythical scenes.
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On one side, a man, possibly Hercules, is shown holding a shield and sword and fighting a winged dragon. The other side features another fantastical creature—a griffin—standing on top of a defeated animal.
The style of the decoration suggests the comb was probably made in England, France or the Low Countries.
Highly decorated ivory combs are known from across medieval Europe, and some were used by bishops as part of church rituals.
However, the decoration on the Jedburgh Comb suggests it was more likely to have been used by a lay person to comb either their hair or beard. The comb may have been buried in a purse or bag with the seal pendant and fastened by the buckle.
Jill van Millingen, Regional Collections Manager at HES, said: “The Jedburgh Comb and the other items discovered during the 1984 excavation enriched our understanding of medieval life at the Abbey."
She added: “It’s vital that such important objects are cared for through conservation and improvements to the environment in which they are displayed, and we are delighted that they can now return to be experienced as part of the story of Jedburgh Abbey for visitors and locals alike.”
Dr Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at NMS, said: “These objects provide a rich and wonderful snapshot of life in the medieval abbey. They are nationally significant items, and it is fantastic to see them return to display after receiving the care required to keep these fragile treasures safe for future generations.”
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