Product Description

Antique Indian Lice Comb

Material: Bone, cotton
Style: India
Size: Height 10 cm, Width 11.5 cm
Order Number: MHSAILC1

Some of the world’s most beautiful combs were made specifically for delousing. They go back to the Ancient Egyptians. Head lice have been found in the hair of Egyptian mummies. They are older than  humans. There is a  wooden comb from Egypt’s Coptic Period (500 AD to 1000 AD in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

There is a 12th century example from Venice in the Walters Art Museum,  a 12th century example from England in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and a 15th century example from France in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Lice combs have very fine teeth to remove lice and louse eggs. Most ancient combs are double-sided, with very fine teeth on one side for the lice and sparser teeth on the other side for cosmetic purposes. Combs are usually made of wood, bone, or ivory.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).