Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Articles of make-up (b): Comb’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
5. Articles of make-up (b): Comb
Use of comb was prevalent even in Vedic period. Atharvaveda[1] mentions hundred teethed combs. A comb was known by the term Kaṅkata or Kaṅkatika in Sūtra period[2]. A comb specially made of porcupine quill was used for certain ceremonial occasions like Cūḍākaraṇa and Sīmantonnayana. During marriage, there was a custom of presenting a porcupine quill by the bridegroom to the bride.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
XIV.2.68
[2]:
IVK, p.163