Viking Objects
Irish Strap-End (NARC-3835F4)
This Irish type strap-end is classed as Thomas Class F. The decoration consists of a zoomorphic terminal and panels of interlace. Its manufacture is possibly traced to Viking Age Dublin and is likely linked to Viking distribution of Irish artefacts. Strap-ends came in various styles and were fairly common throughout the Viking world. They were used to decorate the ends of belts and to stop them getting damaged.
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Viking Objects
Mammen-Style Square Brooch (LEIC-0BFA74)
This small brooch features a bird depicted in the Mammen style. This style of brooch appears to have been produced in the Danelaw but, generally, Mammen-style decoration is rare in Britain. This brooch from Linwood, Lincolnshire, is paralleled by examples from West Stow Heath, Suffolk, and Bergh Apton, Norfolk, but further examples from Cambridgeshire and East Anglia were found in 2015 and 2016. It is a type which has Carolingian-inspired shapes and Scandinavian decoration. Such brooches were an accessory for women who wore Scandinavian dress. For more information on Scandinavian jewellery in England check out our blog: Brooches, Pendants and Pins: Scandinavian Dress Accessories in England.
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Viking Objects
Kite-Shaped Pin (PUBLIC-D9CE19)
This incomplete copper-alloy and niello pin is composed of a flat kite-shaped head with small rounded knop protrusion to three points. Both faces of the head are decorated with a cross that radiates to a narrow border and is inlaid with niello. These types of pins are generally considered to be of Irish origin and imported through Viking activities.
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Viking Objects
Harness Pendant (PUBLIC-1FCD40)
The Ringerike-style openwork decoration on this harness pendant consists of two opposing animals with details made up of relief lines. These pendants were purely decorative elements on the harness and did not have any practical function.
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Viking Objects
Anglo-Scandinavian Strap-End (LEIC-6EDB41)
This example of an Anglo-Scandinavian copper-alloy strap-end is decorated with a possible animal head and very worn Ringerik- style interlace. It has been classed as a variant on Thomas Class G.
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Viking Objects
Hooked Tag (NLM-7F95AB)
The function (or functions) of hooked tags is uncertain. They are small, with a plate and a sharp hook which bends to the rear. What they were stitched to or hooked into is also uncertain.
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Viking Objects
Scabbard Chape (DENO-527092)
The decoration on this chape consists of a central human figure, with openwork apertures defining it, and a zoomorphic mask below.
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Viking Objects
Copper-Alloy Needle (CM. 1845-2008)
A cylindrical copper-alloy needle fragment with a broken shaft. Needles were a common textile tool and could be made from bone, metal or wood. They are usually associated with women and finds like this indicate that the inhabitants of the Viking camp at Torksey included women and children alongside the warriors of the Great Heathen Army.
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Viking Objects
Stamped Copper-Alloy Casket Mount (NLM-9B6A0B)
A stamped copper alloy casket mount found decorated with stamped ring and dot pattern decoration. Ring and dot pattern was found to be diagnostic of early medieval occupation at Cottam in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and this provides dating evidence for this piece.
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Viking Objects
Reproduction Ring-Headed Pin
A reproduction ring-headed pin used for fastening cloaks. Pins like this were common in Ireland and the western British Isles, and spread further afield under Viking influence.
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Viking Designs
Drawing of a Carolingian Trefoil Mount
Drawing of a copper alloy and gilded Carolingian mount with niello inlay found in Leicestershire. The mount has holes drilled through it for affixing to a surface, possibly a book, or perhaps to repurpose it as a pendant.