Rare Medieval Hair Tool Discovered at Highland Castle
Archaeologists have unearthed an "incredibly rare" medieval hair tool, a gravoir, at Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Dating back to the 13th century, the artifact provides insights into high fashion and daily life in medieval Scotland.
Discovery at Eilean Donan Castle
The gravoir was found during excavations at Eilean Donan in Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh. Crafted from red deer antler, this needle-shaped tool was used for creating elaborate hairstyles and neatly parting hair. The handle features a carving resembling a hooded figure.
Dr. Alice Blackwell, of National Museums Scotland (NMS), noted that only two other similar gravoirs have been found in the UK, both in London, making this discovery particularly significant. The excavations were carried out by FAS Heritage.
Significance and Origin of the Gravoir
Gravoirs originated in France, where elaborate hairstyles were fashionable in the 13th century. The Eilean Donan gravoir demonstrates a connection to continental high fashion, but rendered in a local material. It would likely have been part of a set including a mirror and a comb.
"The gravoir would have been used to part hair neatly and help to make elaborate hairstyles - they are incredibly rare objects," said Dr. Blackwell.
The hooded figure carved into the handle could potentially be St. Donan, a Celtic missionary.
Broader Archaeological Findings
Besides the gravoir, the excavations at Eilean Donan Castle uncovered a range of artifacts. These include brooches, dress pins, animal bones, and crucibles – small ceramic cups used for melting copper alloy, silver, and gold. Traces of precious metals found within the crucibles indicate that jewellery and personal dress items were being manufactured at the castle.
- Brooches and dress pins
- Animal bones
- Crucibles (used for melting precious metals)
Eilean Donan Castle's Historical Context
Eilean Donan Castle served as a center of a medieval Gaelic lordship from the 13th to 15th centuries. In more recent times, it has gained recognition as a filming location for movies such as Highlander (1986) and The World Is Not Enough (1999).
National Museums Scotland's Acquisition
The gravoir has been added to a new collection of artifacts acquired by National Museums Scotland (NMS), marking the first ever found in Scotland. Researchers say little was known about the castle's medieval heyday until excavating began.
Insights into Medieval Life
The collection reveals how everything from buckles to swords were manufactured on site. Objects include game pieces made from decorated bone and recycled pottery and an iron jaw harp. The assemblage will now be a rich resource for researchers.
â This remarkable gravoir shows us how elite inhabitants of Eilean Donan were engaging with fashions on the continent," said Dr Alice Blackwell. "It allows us to imagine how the full social spectrum of people inside the castle walls spent their days, whether styling their hair, toiling in a smithy or making simple toys for children to play with."
