13th-Century Hair Tool Unearthed in Scottish Castle, Challenging Isolation Myth
A 13th-century gravoir, a rare medieval hair-styling tool, has been unearthed at Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. This discovery challenges the perception of isolated Highland communities and offers insights into their connections with European cultural currents.
The gravoir, one of only three known examples across the UK, features an incised figure of a person wearing a hood and holding a book. This reflects 13th-century fashion and cultural influences. It is crafted from local red deer antler, unlike the more common ivory used in Europe at the time.
The discovery at Eilean Donan Castle, which spans from a Gaelic lordship fortress to its current status as a reconstructed monument, challenges the notion of isolated Highland communities. Instead, it shows they were engaged in cultural exchange and craftsmanship. The gravoir is part of a larger collection of artifacts, including brooches, dress pins, and game pieces, which provide insights into the daily life, craftsmanship, and leisure activities of the castle's inhabitants.
The 13th-century gravoir found at Eilean Donan Castle is a testament to the castle's role as a hub of cultural exchange and craftsmanship. It challenges the myth of isolated Highland communities and reveals their connection to European artistic and personal grooming trends. Further analysis of the artifact and the broader collection may provide even more insights into medieval Scottish life.
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