Viking Objects
Copper-Alloy Finger-Ring (SWYOR-AA27B1)
This copper-alloy finger-ring seems as if it was made from two strands of twisted wire, but could possibly have been cast. The ropework hoop may have been gilded. Even though similar designs are known from the Viking period, they were also used in other periods as well. Hence, the large date range.
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Viking Objects
Gilded Lead-Alloy Weight (LEIC-C6C96A)
The inset decoration of this weight is probably a reused fragment of an Irish or Anglo-Saxon object. Its importation and re-working is likely the result of Viking intervention. The distinction of weights by embedded objects or other embellishments in various media is a widely recognised feature of some early medieval weights. Weights are an important form of evidence for Viking Age commerce and the use of standards across the different economic systems within which Vikings were integrated. Many of the weights discovered, particularly ones in Ireland and those of Arabic type, suggest that a standardized system of weights existed in some areas. These standard weights, alongside standard values of silver, are what allowed the bullion economy of Viking-occupied areas to function. A bullion economy was a barter economy that relied on the exchange of set amounts of precious metal in various forms, such as arm-rings or coins, for tradeable goods, such as food or textiles. Each merchant would have brought their own set of weights and scales to a transaction to make sure that the trade was conducted fairly.
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Viking Objects
Copper Alloy Pendant (L.A18.1860.0.0)
A Viking-style copper-alloy pendant with zoomorphic and open knotwork interlace design. Pendants were worn as jewellery and came in a variety of shapes and styles showing the influences of the local cultures with whom the Vikings came into contact. Pendants were a popular dress accessory in Norway and Sweden and sometimes were worn with beads between a pair of oval brooches. In England, pendants did not have the same popularity and there do not seem to be any contemporary Anglo-Saxon pendants.
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Viking Objects
Trefoil Brooch (LEIC-33DBDC)
Trefoil brooches were characteristically Scandinavian women’s wear. However, many examples found in the East Midlands were probably made in the Danelaw, and may have been copies of Scandinavian styles, instead of being imported from Scandinavia. The presence of Borre-style interlace on this example classifies it as Maixner’s type E. 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
Copper-Alloy, Gilded Disc Brooch (LEIC-E7A016)
A copper alloy, gilded brooch with a zoomorphic design in the Borre style. This brooch was probably made in Denmark and brought to England. 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
Viking Silver Penny (DENO-7A0AF7)
An incomplete silver early medieval penny of the Vikings possibly minted in the name of Sihtric and imitating swordless St Peter Two-Line Type coins which were minted in York, c.905-920. Sihtric Caoch was the Scandinavian ruler of Dublin from 917-920 CE and subsequently the ruler of Northumbria from 921-927 CE. It is not certain why he left Ireland. The Irish annals state that it was ‘through the grace of God’ and do not elaborate on the politics behind his departure. After the establishment of the Danelaw, some Viking leaders decided to mint their own coins to solidify their legitimacy in the eyes of the local populace. This created a hybrid economy where some members of the Danelaw used bullion and others used coins.
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Viking Designs
Drawing of a Mystery Item
This is a drawing of a gilded, copper alloy object that was clearly affixed to something else. The gilding shows that it was high status but its function remains a mystery.
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Viking Objects
Silver Wire Embroidery (1988/225-16)
This silver wire was found in Mound 11 at Heath Wood, Ingleby, Derbyshire. This burial mound contained fragments of the remains of an adult human together with the cremated remains of animals, including a small dog, a horse and sheep. The burial was accompanied by this silver wire, an iron spade shoe, some small iron nails and some corroded metalwork. The silver wire was found in two parts with traces of carbonised fibres attached. This suggests that it was probably attached to a piece of cloth. Silver and gold embroidery are known from a number of Viking Age graves, including from nearby Repton, Derbyshire, as well as further afield, e.g. Birka, Sweden. At Birka, wire embroidery was found on caps and headbands, although there is no reason to think that it was only used on headgear at all times.
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Viking Objects
Sword Blade (1987/590-2)
This fragment of a sword blade was found at the Viking cemetery at Heath Wood, Ingleby in Mound 1. It is incomplete and consists of a 385mm long section of the blade with a rounded tip. the blade has a fuller down the middle to reduce weight. The sword would probably have been over 900mm long when complete, so less than half the blade survives.