Viking ear spoon with braided band pattern and animal head design. Based on an original from Birka, around 10th century. Brass, approx. 1.4 x 7.2 cm. The design is double-sided.
From antiquity to the Middle Ages, ear spoons, together with tweezers and small awls (as toothpicks and/or nail cleaners), formed what is known as toilet implement. However, the items also all appear as individual finds.
