Double-Sided Comb

Art Historical Context

This exquisite double-sided comb, crafted from bone in 7th-century Frankish culture, offers a glimpse into the daily lives of early medieval Europeans. Measuring just 7 x 1 3/8 x 1/2 inches, its compact form was ideal for personal grooming during the Merovingian period when the Franks dominated much of Western Europe under kings like Clovis's successors. Bone, a readily available and durable material sourced from animal remains, was prized for such utilitarian objects, showcasing skilled carving techniques that balanced functionality with subtle elegance. The comb's double-sided design—one si...