Decorated Coptic Wooden Comb

Object Description

A delicate Coptic wooden comb with a decorated carved handle. The comb part at the top is carefully incised to create long fine teeth. The rectangular base is supported by a carved stylised figure of a rider on a horse, possibly holding a spear or an arrow in one hand. The composition is decorated with incised annules on both sides. It is possible that the comb had a section with wider teeth below the figure creating a double sided comb which did not survive. The piece comes with a custom-made stand.

Weight without the stand: 21g

Dims without the stand: 11cm x 5.7cm

Date: 6th-8th Century AD

Object History

Ex J.P. collection, 1960s. Private collection London, UK, 1980s. From the private collection of J.L., Surrey, UK, 2000s.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. Most of the teeth are intact with some slightly bent. Teeth on either edge of the comb are now broken. Small cracks around the edges of the figure. The comb possibly had a third part with wider teeth, now lost.

Object Details