Ancient Egyptian comb from Hawara dated 30 BC – AD 395

One side of a double wooden comb. Showing the larger row of triangular wooden teeth, some of which are broken off. The opposing row of finer teeth is missing, though the bases of a few teeth can be seen on one side. Made from a single piece of the gap between the rows of teeth is rectangular and decorated with a double incised line running through the centre, there is a visible knot in the wood on one side, and two modern holes passing right the way through, probably caused by the insertion of metal spikes for exhibition in the twentieth century. The sides of the comb are convex in nature, and wider pieces of wood continue from the middle of the comb to the end of the teeth, to frame the edge of the comb. The wood is cross checked in due to burning or drying out after water logging. The lost row of teeth may have been lost this way.

Ancient Egyptian comb from Hawara dated 30 BC – AD 395

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1911.58.2.a
  • Material: wood
  • Period: Roman Period
  • Excavator: W.M.F. Petrie
  • Dated: 30 BC - AD 395
  • Object name: comb
  • Dimensions: Length: 143mm , Width: 101mm , Depth: 12mm
  • Published references: Petrie, W.M.F., The Labyrinth, Gerzeh and Mazghuneh, 1912, (pp.29-36)
  • Site: Hawara
  • Latitude: 29.266667
  • Longitude: 30.9