Comb-Making in Medieval Novgorod (950-1450): An Industry in Transition

This research is based on the comb assemblages from 18 excavation sites, which cover over 80% of the excavated area of Medieval Novgorod (950-1450 AD), Russia. The work outline the chronological trends and stylistic changes in combs themselves and in their relationship to the immediate environment of the properties they originate from, as well as to broader contexts of the town and the entire complex urban community. The research also uses these objects for drawing out the fundamental changes of the comb-making industry in its transition from the late Viking Age and through the Middle Ages and as a background to the development of the urban society. The comb finds are analysed typologically and contextually and the databases are presented in the accompanying download.