Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Medieval Hair Styling Tool Recovered at Scottish Castle
Archaeology Magazine ^ | October 1, 2025 | editors / unattributed

Posted on 10/04/2025 9:40:29 PM PDT by SunkenCiv

The iconic Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most picturesque spots in Scotland and has even appeared in Hollywood films. According to a statement released by National Museums Scotland, an exquisite object worthy of the majestic setting was recently recovered during excavations led by FAS Heritage. The team uncovered a rare thirteenth-century tool known as a gravoir, which was used to precisely part hair and create elaborate hairstyles. The item was carved from local red deer antler and shaped into a human figure wearing a hood and holding a book. It is only the third such object of its kind ever found in the United Kingdom, and the first on Scottish soil. The gravoir was just one item in a rich assemblage of finds uncovered during the recent work that are offering insight into life, fashions, and daily activities in the castle. These include brooches and dress pins, gaming pieces and musical instruments, and a wide array of paraphernalia associated with feasting and drinking. "Eilean Donan represents the very essence of a Scottish castle and its image is recognized around the world," said Miranda van Lynden, Head Trustee at The Conchra Charitable Trust, which owns Eilean Donan Castle. "However, we knew surprisingly little about life in the castle at the height of its power and influence in the 13th and 14th centuries." To read about investigations at another Scottish stronghold, go to "Storming the Castle."

(Excerpt) Read more at archaeology.org ...


TOPICS: History; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: antler; eileandonancastle; godsgravesglyphs; gravoir; hair; hairstyles; middleages; scotland; scotlandyet; yeoldeafropick

Click here: to donate by Credit Card

Or here: to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Thank you very much and God bless you.


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-23 last
To: Candor7

Just an ancient letter opener. Back from when stamps cost two farthings.

EC


21 posted on 10/05/2025 5:52:59 AM PDT by Ex-Con777 (Leftists quote the Constitution like an atheist quotes the Bible)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: SunkenCiv

Looks like a shank to me. Did they find it in the dungeon?

A long term prisoner would have time to make something like that.


22 posted on 10/05/2025 6:12:12 AM PDT by PAR35
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Jonty30

Ole Dan Tucker combed his hair with a wagon wheel; but, died with a toothache in his heel.


23 posted on 10/05/2025 8:16:17 AM PDT by GingisK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-23 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson