Medieval Jedburgh Comb back on display

An intricately carved medieval comb that was first unearthed in the 1980s has returned to display at Jedburgh Abbey.

This rare and special artefact, thought to date from the late 11th or early 12th century, was discovered by archaeologists at the site alongside a wealth of evidence for life at the medieval abbey. The comb will now return to display at Jedburgh Abbey after undergoing conservation, with a new display case and updated interpretation telling the story of the 1984 excavation that uncovered it.

Also returning with the comb are an early walrus ivory seal pendant, a bone buckle, a whetstone, pottery lamp and storage jar. The items are part of the collections of National Museums Scotland (NMS), who undertook the conservation work. They are on loan to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who care for Jedburgh Abbey on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

The Jedburgh Comb, as it has come to be known, was carved from walrus ivory and features intricately carved mythical scenes. On one side a man, possibly Hercules, is shown holding a shield and sword and fighting a winged dragon. The other side of the comb features another fantastical creature, a griffin, which stands on top of a defeated animal. The style of the decoration suggests the comb was probably made in England, France or the Low Countries.

Highly decorated ivory combs are known from across medieval Europe, and some were used by bishops as part of church rituals. However, the decoration on the Jedburgh comb suggests it was more likely to have been used by a lay person, to comb either their hair or a beard. The comb may have been buried in a purse or bag together with the seal pendant and fastened by the buckle.

Jill van Millingen, Regional Collections Manager at HES, said: “The Jedburgh Comb and the other items discovered during the 1984 excavation enriched our understanding of medieval life at the Abbey. It’s vital that such important objects are cared for through conservation and improvements to the environment they are displayed in, and we are delighted that they can now return to display to be experienced as part of the story of Jedburgh Abbey for visitors and locals alike.”

Dr Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at NMS, said: “These objects provide a rich and wonderful snapshot of life in the medieval abbey. They are nationally significant items, and it is fantastic to see them return to display having had the care that is required to keep fragile treasures safe for future generations.”

Visitors can now view the comb, pendant and other objects in the Jedburgh Abbey visitor centre, open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

About Jedburgh Abbey

Jedburgh Abbey is an abbey from the 1100s, now managed by Historic Scotland (Historic Environment Scotland). It took over 70 years to build and is known for its Roman and Early Gothic architecture. Today, visitors can explore the great abbey church and the ruins of the cloister and see artefacts from the church’s history and before in the visitor centre.

About National Museums Scotland

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

More about our communications office

Keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases

For further information, please contact:

Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot