The comb maker

A comb for the unruly locks

Bone, horn and antler are raw materials available to almost everyone. Many people make their own spoons and needles from bone or needle cases from pieces of tubular bone. During the long winter days when darkness comes early and there is not much work to be done in the fields, men are frequently occupied by small pieces of handiwork. Particularly skilled craftsmen bring their winter production to the market, in order to trade it for other commodities.

Finer and more complex pieces of work, such as combs or even arrowheads require more practice. On the market place in Ribe, carefully decorated combs, playing pieces, awl handles and needles have been found, all of a very high quality, testifying to the presence of professional artisans.