backscratcher

thumb|250px|A common wooden backscratcher thumb|250px|Distinct styles of backscratchers in action, employing different itch-relieving techniques. A backscratcher, sometimes known as a scratch-back, is a hand tool used for scratching the skin in order to relieve an itch in areas that cannot easily be reached just by one's own hands, typically the back. Although the backscratcher was an early human invention, other primates have been observed using similar tools.

== Composition and variation == thumb|An ornate metal backscratcher, created using Bidriware|bidri during the Mughul Dynasty (Production date: 1604-1625) Backscratchers are generally long, slender, rod-shaped tools used to scratch one's back, with a knob on one end for holding and a rake-like device, sometimes in the form of a human hand, on the other end to perform the scratching. Many others are shaped like horse hooves or claws, or are telescoping to reach further down the back. Most modern backscratchers are typically made of plastic, bamboo, or metal. Examples throughout history can be found made of wood, whalebone, tortoiseshell, horn, cane, ivory, baleen, and in some cases, narwhal tusks, due to the status afforded by relieving itches with a supposed unicorn horn (an example of conspicuous consumption).