13th-Century Hair Styling Tool Unearthed at Eilean Donan Castle
Archaeologists have unearthed a fascinating 13th-century artifact at Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. The discovery of a gravoir, a medieval hair-styling tool, offers new insights into the castle's inhabitants and their connection to European culture.
The gravoir, one of only three known examples in the UK, was crafted from local red deer antler. It features an incised figure of a hooded person holding a book, demonstrating the unique adaptation of continental fashion to local materials in Scotland. This tool challenges the notion of isolated Highland communities, showing they were connected to European cultural currents.
The discovery is part of a rich collection of artifacts found during recent excavations. These include brooches, dress pins, and crucibles containing traces of gold and silver. The findings also reveal leisure activities enjoyed by the castle's inhabitants, such as carved bone game pieces and an iron jaw harp.
The gravoir and other artifacts unearthed at Eilean Donan Castle paint a vivid picture of a thriving medieval community engaged in cultural exchange and craftsmanship. They illustrate the artistic craftsmanship and practical aspects of life at the castle during this period, moving beyond the traditional image of castles as mere battlegrounds or tourist attractions.
