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Elk Antler Comb from Sigtuna, Sweden with grafltto of the Christ Child on the right
(click on the images to enlarge)

Bone and antler objects occur throughout the Viking world. Bones of pigs, cattle, horses, goats were used, and antler came from deer or elk.

Needles and pins could be produced in a different shapes and sizes to serve a variety of purposes such as sewing clothes, nalbinding (a Scandinavian technique for making a strong, elastic fabric), net-making, securing a cloak, etc.

Other products included spindle whorls, weaving tablets, needle cases made from small long hollow bones, knife handles, strap ends, gaming pieces, bone flutes, and ice skates.

Combs were also made and could be quite basic, or very ornate and decorated. Even the basic combs required considerable work, as the teeth can to be cut separately into bone plates which were fitted into the handle pieces.

See also: Bone and antler combs

Whale bone could be used for special objects such as the decorated linen smoother from the Scar boat burial. While whale teeth and walrus ivory could be used for objects such as the Lewis Chessmen.

Fish-shaped antler needle case, 10th C Wolin, Poland

Bone Combs, Pins and Spindle Whorls from Coppergate, York

Scar Boat Burial, Orkney – The Linen-Smoothing Board