Viking Objects
Zoomorphic Strap-End (LANCUM-E11AB2)
This Thomas Class B, Type 4 strap-end has a pointed zoomorphic terminal moulded to represent an animal head with large semi-circular eyes and ears in Trewhiddle style. There are possible traces of niello in the recesses. .
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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
Carolingian-Style Strap-End (LIN-9A2879)
It has been suggested this this strap-end came from a sword harness and, therefore, is classed as Thomas’s Class E, Type 1. The strap-end bears Carolingian-style relief decoration of a palmette set within a stylised plant with acanthus foliage and brush-like leaves. It does now show any evidence of gilding. Carolingian belt fittings from England could have been imported either indirectly through Scandinavia or directly from the Continent. It is possible that this strap end was brought over by Scandinavians as a result of their raids on the continent. Gabor Thomas suggests that the localisation of similar types of strap ends, known as Aspatria-type, in the Irish Sea region could indicate that they were worn by Scandinavian communities in that area.
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Viking Objects
Copper-Alloy Strap-End (LEIC-982247)
This Anglo-Scandinavian copper-alloy strap-end is decorated with a sub-circular dome which is flanked by eight circular holes joined into pairs by a recessed channel creating a raised ‘cross’. There are very faint traces of possible ring and dot motifs on the surface of the cross. It has been classified as a Thomas Class E.
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Viking Objects
Harness Strap-Divider (LEIC-0DF1A3)
This harness strap-divider is cross-shaped with a central domed boss. The loops would have held leather harness straps and were usually placed at the side of a horse’s head.
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Viking Objects
Harness Mount (LEIC-9EB6F8)
This incomplete Anglo-Scandinavian harness mount or pendant seems to be decorated with a stylised animal head and may have been lozenge-shaped.
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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
Copper-Alloy Tweezers (LEIC-F41656)
A pair of copper-alloy tweezers found in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire. These feature a ring-and-dot stamped pattern with a tube at one end to accommodate a suspension loop. They would have been carried suspended from a brooch or belt. Tweezers were common personal items that people would have carried with them. They could be highly decorated.
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Viking Objects
Copper-Alloy Edged Lead Weight (NLM-E6E083)
A lead weight edged with a copper-alloy band. The distinction of weights by embedded objects or other embellishments in various media is a widely recognised feature of some early medieval weights. The object has also been identified as a spindle whorl, though this is less likely. If a weight, it is perhaps an indicator of the Scandinavian bullion economy. 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 tradable 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.