122. Roman Nail Cleaner

C. 3rd - 4th Century A.D.

A copper-alloy nail cleaner of twisted form, pierced to attach to a ring loop or chatelaine.

Ancient Roman nail cleaners were small, personal hygiene tools typically made of copper alloy or bone, featuring a flat, two-pronged or forked blade used to scrape dirt from beneath the fingernails.

Condition: Good.

Dimensions: 5cms.

Provenance: Ex. private collection, Hampshire UK.

£10.00

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Roman Toilet Sets

Roman toilet sets were common objects often carried for personal grooming. Usually fixed upon a keyring-like loop, they would include tweezers, an ear-scoop and nail cleaner.

The use of nail cleaners and toiletry sets developed in the later 1st century AD and became more widespread during the 2nd century. They're often found in large numbers on temple or shrine sites, where they were probably deliberately deposited as votive offerings.