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Comb fragment
Nubian
Early–Classic Kerma
2400–1550 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Kerma, K1805x
Medium/Technique
Ivory
Dimensions
Length x width x depth: 9.3 x 3.5 x 1 cm (3 11/16 x 1 3/8 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.1787
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Cosmetic and medical
DescriptionThis ivory comb originally had six teeth, of which three are mostly preserved. The ornamental handle has a small nob at the top. The sides then form high "shoulders" before curving inward to form concave sides that widen to the comb's teeth. The out edges of these sides are decorated with interspersed sets of five small incised lines (filled with black) oriented perpendicular to the edge.
ProvenanceFrom Kerma, tomb K1805x. January 1914: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.
(Accession Date: March 1, 1920)
(Accession Date: March 1, 1920)