Coptic Comb

5th century A.D

Coptic art is the unique ancient Christian art of Egypt. There is no separation between art and craft and therefore includes a vast array of works, all of diverse nature. There is no definite definition of Coptic style due to such a rich influence of neighbouring cultures. This comb in particular shows the integration of contrasting configurations from classical, Egyptian, Greek-Egyptian, Persian, Byzantine and Syrian influence. Artists at this time would have chosen ivory for the material of such a piece, for luxury and simply because it was a good material to carve.

Parts of the comb’s teeth are now missing, but the detailed decoration suggests it may have been more than just a mere instrument to arrange hair, but perhaps a ceremonial object belonging to an elite person.