English / Liturgical Comb / ca. 1200?1210

English
Liturgical Comb
ca. 1200?1210
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Creator Nationality: European; British; English
Creator Dates/Places: English
Creator Name-CRT: English
Title: Liturgical Comb
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 1200
Creation End Date: 1210
Creation Date: ca. 1200?1210
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: ivory
Dimensions: 3 3/8 x 3 3/8 in. (8.6 x 8.6 cm)
Description:

Liturgical combs were used in preparing the priest for the Mass. Although they existed throughout the Middle Ages, this is the only comb known that is decorated with scenes from the life and martyrdom of Thomas Becket. On one side is the rarely depicted episode of Henry II informing Becket that he will become the archbishop of Canterbury. In the adjacent scenes are the boat that will take Thomas on his final mission to England (right) and a church facade (left), which is likely an allusion to Canterbury Cathedral.

The opposite side shows the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170. The half-circles flanking the event contain an angel at the altar of martyrdom (left) and a devil holding a book (right). Thus, good is correlated with the Church and with Becket, and evil with the king and his knights.

AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 1988.279
Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Schimmel Foundation Inc., Mrs. Maxime L. Hermanos, Lila Acheson Wallace, Nathaniel Spear Jr., Mrs. Katherine S. Rorimer, William Kelly Simpson, Alastair B. Martin, and Anonymous Gifts, 1988
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
AMICA ID: MMA_.1988.279
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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