Coptic Wooden Comb Decorated with Rams

£ 960.00

A fine Ancient Egyptian wooden comb, dating to the Coptic Period. The comb is rectangular with fine-cut teeth on one end and wider teeth on the other. The middle of the comb is decorated on both sides with a low-relief carving of a ram surrounded by vegetation. The ram, on both sides, is depicted on all fours, with details and patterns carefully carved into the body. It is shown in profile, with a large circle representing its eye. Leaves of vegetation extended from the curved edge of the D-shaped panel, detailed with lines. In the background, strings of dotted lines enrich the images on both sides. The semi-circular panel is surrounded by engraved bands and grooves, further decorating this comb.

The comb is mounted on a custom made stand.

Dimensions without the stand: L 9.3cm x W 6cm

Date: Circa 3rd-7th century A.D.
Period: Coptic Period
Provenance: Ex J.P. collection, 1960s. Private collection London, UK, 1980s. From the private collection of J.L., Surrey, UK, 2000s.
Condition: Fine condition. There is some damage to the teeth of the comb and the edges of the comb consistent withage. Some encrustations to the surface. The decorative images are clear and detailed.

In stock

SKU: CF-74 Category: Tags: , ,

Throughout history, combs have been used for various purposes, including hair grooming, scalp stimulation, and even as a symbol of status and wealth. The earliest evidence of combs dates to ancient Egypt, where they were made from ivory, wood, or bone. These combs were used for personal grooming, and could hold religious and cultural significance. The Egyptian Book of the Dead recalls spell 125 which states that one shouldn’t speak unless they are “clean, dressed in fresh clothes, shod in white sandals, painted with eye-paint, anointed with the finest oil of myrrh.”

The ram was associated with the god Khnum, who is most frequently depicted with a ram’s head. He was one of the earliest deities to be celebrated in Egypt, and was originally the god of the source of the river Nile. He was also a god of birth and creation, as it was believed that Khnum made babies out of clay, using his potter’s wheel, and placed them in their mother’s wombs. The river Nile, rich in nutrients and good soil, was a wonderful source of life and sustenance. Khnum was therefore known as a protector and guardian, especially in relation to children.

Weight 70 g
Dimensions L 7.2 x W 3.4 x H 13.9 cm
Culture

Egyptian Mythology

Region

Material

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 1912,0608.81

You may also like…