Stone Age comb

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What is it?

This comb is made from red deer antler. It was made during the Neolithic period (New Stone Age) and found in the Thames at Battersea in south London.

It would have taken a great deal of skill to carve the teeth of this comb without breaking them. The comb may have been used to strip the hair from animal hides (skins).

What do you think?

• Why might someone want to remove the hair from an animal hide?
• What different things could be made from an animal hide?
• How long do you think it would take to make a comb like this by hand?

Further info

Object ID number: A10683

If you use this image, please credit it as follows:
Digital image copyright Museum of London