[MR] BBC: Rare “Gravoir” From Scotland

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends, especially fellow Scots:

Today the BBC is reporting on the discovery of a rare 13th century hair
stylingaccessory called a "gravoir".

The item is basically a pointed stick that was used to part hair for
elaborate styling. This particular example was made from a red deer antler
and features a hooded figure carved into the handle portion, possibly
representing a saint. Gravoirs originated in France as high-status hair
styling became fashionable, but only two other examples are known in all
Britain.

This looks like a perfect prototype for an A&S project (hint, hint!).

The gravoir was found in an ongoing excavation at Eilean Donan Castle, one
of the most iconic of Scottish castles.

The BBC story is at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vz69lv37qo .

Another version of the story, with photos of other artefacts from the
excavation is at https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/74240 .

Eilean Donan Castle's history is found at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eilean_Donan#Eilean_Donan_castle .

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep the original Merry Rose relevant and in
business.