This boxwood comb would have been manufactured on the continent and imported into Britain. The side with the fine teeth would have been used to trap and therefore remove head lice, while the wider teeth were used to style the hair. This particular comb was found with its leather case, which shows how carefully these items were looked after and treasured. It was found in a room in the Period 2 Commanding Officer's Residence, dating to before 100 AD.

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Digging up memories and making connections

Nits were just as much a problem for the Vindolanda population as they are now.  Dawn tells us why she is drawn to these artefacts. 

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Further information