Peine litúrgico medieval

Combs for dressing hair were a female iconographic attribute that alluded to the sinful sensuality of personal vanity, but liturgical combs had a very different meaning. They symbolised purity rather than lust, respect rather than provocation. In cleaning his hair with a comb, the officiant also cleansed his soul. This piece came to the museum from the Museum of Medals and Antiquities of the National Library.

Liturgical comb