Sivas bone comb production faces extinction due to lack of artisans

The production of traditionally crafted bone combs in Sivas, Turkey, is facing a threat of extinction due to a lack of skilled artisans. Despite the craft's geographical indication status and rising demand for natural alternatives to plastic, Fatih Durna remains the only master currently producing these items in the region.

The manufacturing process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Ram horns sourced from Sivas and surrounding provinces are left to dry for approximately three years before undergoing heat treatment and manual shaping. These combs are valued for their natural keratin content, which is said to prevent hair breakage, dandruff, and static electricity, unlike plastic alternatives.

Durna noted that the profession had nearly vanished by 2005 but was revitalized starting in 2018 through incentives from the local governor, leading to resumed production in 2020. While there is significant interest from both domestic and international markets, the scarcity of practitioners puts this cultural heritage at risk.