Comb of bone

Burial from Veien – cremation grave from the Early Roman Iron Age
c.0-160CE
 
Combs of bone are considered as personal items and are found in both male and female graves. They were likely used for combing hair, and perhaps even for removing head lice. They could also be used as part of an elaborate hairstyle.   

In total, 10 graves with bone combs have been discovered at the burial site at Veien. Many of these combs are crafted from reindeer antlers. Since there aren't many reindeer in Ringerike, the antler used for these combs must have come from afar! It's possible that the antler originated from wild reindeer captured in Hardangervidda, an area where hunting and travel have been practiced since the Stone Age. 

Antler and bones played pivotal roles as materials for crafting a wide array of items, including needles, gaming pieces, arrowheads, flutes, and more. Bone, in many ways, served as the ancient equivalent of plastic, offering versatility and durability in crafting. Additionally, a bone needle has also been discovered here at Veien!