The Past Today

The broken teeth are likely the first thing you see when you look at the deer antler comb. Viewing this comb from a present-day perspective, the way the teeth of the comb are created and the fact that they are now broken directly symbolize the passing of time. Because of its sturdy material and the favorable soil conditions, the comb passed the test of time. It did not deteriorate to the point that it is unrecognizable. Essentially, using this expression means that it defied time by not changing. In Dutch, the test of time is even called ‘de tand des tijds’, literally meaning ‘the tooth of time’. As this deer antler comb is a part of history for us, our plastic (!) combs will be a part of history for the ones after us. Who knows what story their teeth will tell?