Everything about the Celts, the Celtic Tribes, Celtic society, Celtic items and tools the Celts used, the Celtic occupations, the ancient Celtic beliefs, Celtic rituals, the Celts mythology and how to decode it by understanding Celtic perception.
And the modern Celts of today.
Here we speak about the Celts and Vikings and their connection.
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Friday, August 3, 2012
Medieval Hair Combs
The earliest Hair combs in Celtic areas are from Atlantic Scotland. But
combs in general can be traced to as far back as 5,000 years ago. The material most used for medieval combs was reindeer or deer
antler.
Pictish Celts, Scottish Celts and Scandinavians had 14
different style medieval hair combs found. Very decorative as well. Later on
during Viking ages, these medieval hair combs developed elaborate metal engravings
on them as well, although it is argued that these were also available
earlier.
Medieval Hair Combs were not only used to tame stray hairs or detangle
hair, but for cleaning purposes.
Both sexes would use medieval hair combs and medieval pins to braid their hair and fasten hollow golden
balls, feathers and other beads to the ends of the braids. Another style that was popular among
some medieval Celtic men was the glib (short all over except
for a long, thick lock of hair towards the front of the head). It was kind of a buns or ponytails atop their heads we hear, in at
least one tribe.
The Irish, both men and women, took
great pride in their long hair and their law books state that those
who cut off another's hair against their will would pay a heavy fine
of two cows. Women had very long hair which was their mark of
beauty.
A band
or ribbon around the forehead was another typical way of holding one's
hair in place but it was only nobility that wore an often a thin and bendy
strip/ribbon of burnished gold, silver or findrinny.
There are three types of medieval hair combs; hair combs to comb the hair to detangle,
decorative medieval hair combs to stay in the hair and what we would call flea combs today.
It is interesting that this same respect for hair was also seen amongst Merovingian warriors and Spartan warriors too, who also took pride in the grooming and appearance of their hair. I found a great website that sells reproduction combs and I have always wanted to buy one.
Interesting Wood elf, but not surprising. While studying the Northern European tribes for some time and their myths and ways, i have also found that all the cultures were very similar, just changed the names and slight variations. Thanks so much for your comment! it is much appreciated!
It is interesting that this same respect for hair was also seen amongst Merovingian warriors and Spartan warriors too, who also took pride in the grooming and appearance of their hair. I found a great website that sells reproduction combs and I have always wanted to buy one.
ReplyDeleteInteresting Wood elf, but not surprising. While studying the Northern European tribes for some time and their myths and ways, i have also found that all the cultures were very similar, just changed the names and slight variations. Thanks so much for your comment! it is much appreciated!
ReplyDelete