This is a Bean Sí Comb Irish folklore printable. At first glance it is just a dark drawing of a comb. But there is more in it than that, if you know where to look.
Look at the handle. Carved into it is ogham, the oldest form of writing found in Ireland. Each stroke is part of a letter. Read bottom to top, it spells Bean Sí.
And those broken teeth are not accidental. In Irish folk belief, a comb with broken or missing teeth is a sure sign it belongs to the Bean Sí. Look closely and you will see that the gaps line up exactly with the ogham in the handle. Even the teeth are spelling her name.
The colours in the drawing were chosen deliberately. It could be night, it could be a very dark, foggy day, and that uncertainty is the point. The angle puts you above the comb, looking down at it, as if you have just spotted it on a stone wall while walking. Which is exactly the situation the old stories warn you about.
She is not just a supernatural figure. The Bean Sí is connected to the old Irish tradition of keening for the dead. She is the mourner who arrives before the death, continuing a role that real women once held in life.
If you want to read about how the drawing came together, including a detail that came in from a social media comment and ended up changing the whole piece, you can read it here: roisinmallonart.com/blog/bean-si-comb-irish-folklore-art-hidden-meaning
This download is for anyone who loves Irish folklore art, Irish heritage, and the kind of cultural design that gives more the longer you look.
What is included
Three files are included in this download.
A high resolution square JPG of the illustration, suitable for printing up to 12 x 12 inches at home or through a print shop.
A story PDF in A4 and US Letter, with the artwork and the story behind it laid out together on the page, so it works as a piece in its own right if you want to print and frame it.
And a research PDF with folklore sources and further reading, for anyone who wants to go deeper into the Bean Sí and the accounts that inspired the drawing.
It would make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Irish folklore or heritage. Or a very good excuse to have something genuinely interesting on your wall.
File details
Digital download. Three files included:
All files are delivered digitally. No physical item will be sent. Files are suitable for home printing or use at a print shop.
Downloading your files
Once your payment has gone through, your file will be ready to download from your Order Confirmation page. You will get a confirmation email straight away, followed by a second email with your download link.
The link stays active for 24 hours. If it has expired by the time you get to it, a new link will automatically be sent to the email address you used at purchase.
Please note that colours may vary slightly depending on your screen or printer settings.
If I ever update or remove a file, that will be reflected when you click your link.
Licence
This file is for your personal use, and you are very welcome to print it as many times as you like for your own home or enjoyment.
Just a note that the file cannot be resold, shared for others to download, or used commercially in any way. Copyright remains with Róisín Mallon Art. Thank you for understanding and for supporting independent art.
Refunds
Because digital files are available to download immediately after purchase, I am not able to offer refunds once the file has been accessed. If you run into any trouble downloading or opening your file, please just get in touch and I will do everything I can to help.
If you enjoy Irish folklore, language, and culture, I share stories, cultural snippets, and occasional special offers through my newsletter. You are always welcome to join: subscribepage.io/failte
This is a Bean Sí Comb Irish folklore printable. At first glance it is just a dark drawing of a comb. But there is more in it than that, if you know where to look.
Look at the handle. Carved into it is ogham, the oldest form of writing found in Ireland. Each stroke is part of a letter. Read bottom to top, it spells Bean Sí.
And those broken teeth are not accidental. In Irish folk belief, a comb with broken or missing teeth is a sure sign it belongs to the Bean Sí. Look closely and you will see that the gaps line up exactly with the ogham in the handle. Even the teeth are spelling her name.
The colours in the drawing were chosen deliberately. It could be night, it could be a very dark, foggy day, and that uncertainty is the point. The angle puts you above the comb, looking down at it, as if you have just spotted it on a stone wall while walking. Which is exactly the situation the old stories warn you about.
She is not just a supernatural figure. The Bean Sí is connected to the old Irish tradition of keening for the dead. She is the mourner who arrives before the death, continuing a role that real women once held in life.
If you want to read about how the drawing came together, including a detail that came in from a social media comment and ended up changing the whole piece, you can read it here: roisinmallonart.com/blog/bean-si-comb-irish-folklore-art-hidden-meaning
This download is for anyone who loves Irish folklore art, Irish heritage, and the kind of cultural design that gives more the longer you look.
What is included
Three files are included in this download.
A high resolution square JPG of the illustration, suitable for printing up to 12 x 12 inches at home or through a print shop.
A story PDF in A4 and US Letter, with the artwork and the story behind it laid out together on the page, so it works as a piece in its own right if you want to print and frame it.
And a research PDF with folklore sources and further reading, for anyone who wants to go deeper into the Bean Sí and the accounts that inspired the drawing.
It would make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Irish folklore or heritage. Or a very good excuse to have something genuinely interesting on your wall.
File details
Digital download. Three files included:
All files are delivered digitally. No physical item will be sent. Files are suitable for home printing or use at a print shop.
Downloading your files
Once your payment has gone through, your file will be ready to download from your Order Confirmation page. You will get a confirmation email straight away, followed by a second email with your download link.
The link stays active for 24 hours. If it has expired by the time you get to it, a new link will automatically be sent to the email address you used at purchase.
Please note that colours may vary slightly depending on your screen or printer settings.
If I ever update or remove a file, that will be reflected when you click your link.
Licence
This file is for your personal use, and you are very welcome to print it as many times as you like for your own home or enjoyment.
Just a note that the file cannot be resold, shared for others to download, or used commercially in any way. Copyright remains with Róisín Mallon Art. Thank you for understanding and for supporting independent art.
Refunds
Because digital files are available to download immediately after purchase, I am not able to offer refunds once the file has been accessed. If you run into any trouble downloading or opening your file, please just get in touch and I will do everything I can to help.
If you enjoy Irish folklore, language, and culture, I share stories, cultural snippets, and occasional special offers through my newsletter. You are always welcome to join: subscribepage.io/failte
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