Combing hair removes tangles and dirt, and, depending upon how we use the comb, makes our hair look neat, spiky, 'big' or sleek. Today most combs are made of plastic, a cheap, hard-wearing easy to clean material. During Roman and Viking times, combs were made of horn or bone from animals. Horn can be carved and moulded when hot, and bone can be carved. Both materials are light and hard wearing.

This replica of a Viking comb is made out of carved horn. The handle is bent, following the natural curve of the horn as it grew out of the animal's head. The marks of the carver's knife can be seen on the handle, including a simple decorative pattern of hoops. The wider end of the handle has been split. A separate section of thinly carved horn, cut into teeth, has been inserted into the split, allowing the teeth to be securely wedged while in use. Metal pins have been driven through the handle and teeth to keep both in place. The teeth drop into the natural curve of the handle, which curves easily into the palm of the hand for ease of use.