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15.07.2021

Antler comb, Winnall, Winchester

This intricately adorned comb dates back to the Roman era, specifically from the 4th or early 5th century AD. It was discovered within an inlaid bone box that had been carefully placed in the grave of a young woman. The primary section of the comb features decorative rings and dots, while the end plates showcase finely carved figures embellished with additional rings and dots. Archaeologists believe that combs like this one were initially crafted in a plain form and subsequently decorated based on specific requests. Popular motifs for such combs included owls, dolphins, and horses. In this instance, an observant eye can discern that this is a horse comb, as the decorations on the end plate resemble pairs of horse heads facing each other.

Individuals interred in this section of Winchester's eastern Roman cemetery rarely received grave goods. However, when such items were discovered, they consistently displayed a high level of craftsmanship, underscoring the elevated social status of this particular population group. The burial practices observed here exhibit some similarities to those seen in Christian cemeteries of the late Roman period in the Mediterranean and Near East, shedding light on the cultural connections of that era.

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