A fragment of a copper-alloy ear-spoon found in Torksey, Lincolnshire. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
A fragment of a copper-alloy ear-spoon found in Torksey, Lincolnshire. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

A fragment of a copper-alloy ear-spoon found in Torksey, Lincolnshire. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge A fragment of a copper-alloy ear-spoon found in Torksey, Lincolnshire. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Copper-Alloy Ear Spoon (CM_1849_2008)

A fragment of a copper-alloy ear-spoon found in Torksey, Lincolnshire.

This copper-alloy ear spoon has a spiral twisted body with a small rounded head. It was found at Torksey, Lincolnshire. Ear scoops (also known as ear spoons) were used to clean out ear wax. They are very common finds on Viking Age sites, suggesting that people took this aspect of personal hygiene very seriously.

Object Type

Ear scoop

Date

circa 800 — 995

Ascribed Culture

Original/Reproduction

Original

Material

Collection

Viking Objects

Current Location

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Keywords

copper_alloy, Danelaw Saga, ear_spoon, Fitzwilliam_Museum, personal_hygiene, toilet_article, Torksey, Viking

Further information

You can see the original at The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

This object is related to Torksey, Lincolnshire.
Find out about Torksey, Lincolnshire.

Acknowledgements

© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

References

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Related items

Reproduction Ear Scoop
Silver Ear Scoop Fragment (CM.1850-2008)
Torksey

More items

Cast Lead Weight (SWYOR-A48576)
Northumbrian Styca (LEIC-0D9D6F)
Anglo-Scandinavian Mount (NLM-491EBD)
Trefoil Brooch (LEIC-33DBDC)
Anglo-Scandinavian Strap-End (LEIC-6EDB41)
Borre Style Brooch (DENO-805B20)
Zoomorphic Mount (DENO-7E523C)
Buckle Frame (DENO-98937A)
Enamel Copper-Alloy Brooch (DENO-6C0D22)
Anglo-Scandinavian Silver Mount (SWYOR-0201A1)
Globe-Shaped Weight (PUBLIC-D94974)