Wednesday June 24th 2026
The historic comb
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Historians are not splitting hairs when hailing the return of an historic artefact to a Borders abbey.
After conservation work, the ‘Jedburgh Comb’ and other objects are now back on display at the medieval abbey where they were discovered.
The 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 the 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.
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