Bone combs from Bactria: a new glance on iconography of images and production techniques

This paper is devoted to the study of bone combs found during archaeologicalexcavations in ancient Bactria (Northern Afghanistan, southern regions of Uzbekistanand Tajikistan). The study offers a typology of eight single-sided and double-sidedcombs (late 4th century BC - 3rd century AD), which are divided into types and variantsbased on their shape. The classification has been used to propose a new interpretationof some finds. For instance, the analysis of techniques used to make images on the combssuggests that, in order to make the comb from Dalvarizintepa, the craftsman useda pattern (stencil) prepared in advance. In addition to that, the paper analyzes functionsof some combs, explores the impact of Indian culture on narrative scenes on the combsand their shape. Tools and techniques of making bone combs are reviewed in detailand information on raw material sources of bone items dated to the Classical Periodis provided. Besides, the author describes his concepts about carving of tubular bonesand their use for making combs as well as results of additional experiments conductedto carve this material.