A new book exploring the connection between Ipswich and the Viking world through its use of combs is being released.

The Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service (SCCAS) with Historic England will publish a book on how digs discovered combs in Ipswich that link the town to the Vikings.

The book titled 'An Early Medieval Craft. Antler and Bone Working from Ipswich Excavations 1974-1994' is set to release on Wednesday this week. 

Authors Ian Riddler and Nicola Trzaska-Nartowski said: "Ipswich has a fabulous collection of objects of antler and bone.

“The range of objects is extraordinary and unique in the UK."

East Anglian Daily Times: The comb connect Ipswich to the Viking world through its production and tradeThe comb connect Ipswich to the Viking world through its production and trade (Image: Suffolk County Council)

East Anglian Daily Times: The book is set to be published on March 27The book is set to be published on March 27 (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Excavations by SCCAS discovered 2,400 fragments of antler and bone waste and over 1,300 objects – dating back to the early medieval period. 

These combs were brought to Ipswich in the late ninth century and then later produced here, as shown by local forms discovered by SCCAS. 

“Although most of the combs were likely made in Ipswich, there are also imports from the Merovingian, Frisian and Viking worlds," the authors added.

Julia Swan is an independent beautician has worked in hair and makeup for the Viking festival that took place in Stonham Barns, along with other children's parties. 

She said: "It is great to see that something I do actually has a strong connection with where I live. 

"It's like a full circle moment."

East Anglian Daily Times: Excavations by SCCAS discovered 2,400 fragments of antler and bone waste and over 1,300 objectsExcavations by SCCAS discovered 2,400 fragments of antler and bone waste and over 1,300 objects (Image: Keith Suffling)

The objects from the excavations will be a part of the Ipswich archive and curated by Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service.

Suffolk County Council’s deputy cabinet member for protected landscapes and archaeology Melanie Vigo di Gallidoro said: “The hard work of SCCAS through the years means we can better piece together Suffolk’s fascinating history.

"This is why it is crucial for archaeology to take place whenever developments are proposed.

“With around 40 excavations in Ipswich over 20 years, we can build a convincing picture of the role that the town played in medieval life."