The combs of Västergarn : a case study of the Västergarn combs from seminar excavations between 2006-2010

During the years 2006-2010 Gotland University conducted seminars excavations in Västergarn parish on Gotland. Inside the wall a total of six house foundations have been found and a total of 127 combs have been registered. This thesis is based on a material study of the 127 registered medieval combs. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the combs and with their chronology illuminate in which period the society of Västergarn was active. And also to find out what the material remains can tell us about the place and its people. The questions concern the dating and chronology of the combs, and also how analyzing the combs can provide additional information to Västergarn. The method used is a comparative material - and literature study. The result of the analyze is that the combs are from the transitional period of the Viking - Medieval age, 900- 1100th century. A variety of nine different types could be distinguished. I believe that through an osteological –, and contextual spatial analysis and a comparative material study of the combs more information on the site can be presented