viking comb birka with holder Werkmessen - gereedschap en touw This spatha is made after

This spatha is made after a 6th century original found in Northern Germany

a coin was placed — a Roman custom to pay the ferryman for the journey to the afterlife

It can easily be shoved over the tang and firmly pushed down

It nowadays is part of the collection of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier

viking comb birka with holder Werkmessen - gereedschap en touw This spatha is made afterThe comb is a replica of a 9th10th century original found in the Viking city of Birka. Crafted entirely by hand from bone, it is supplied with a protective bone holder featuring a leather lace that may be worn on the belt. Combs were a particularly important cosmetic tool for daily care.