Viking Objects
Iron Buckle (1985/225-8)
An iron buckle found in Mound 6 at Heath Wood, Ingleby, Derbyshire. It is one of two iron buckles found in this burial mound together with a small number of bronze fragments and iron nails. This buckle has parallels in Scandinavia.
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Viking Objects
Decorated Key (DENO-4259B3)
This cast copper-alloy key handle is decorated with Scandinavian-influenced designs reminiscent of the Urnes style of Viking art. Keys were not only practical items but also symbols of status. Women often carried the keys to the family’s chests of valuables. They also are often buried with keys, representing their authority in the household. See also the blog post on keys in the Viking Age.
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Viking Objects
Danish Silver Sceat (LIN-6C0EBC)
This silver sceat is classified as part of the Danish Woden/Monster Series X which date to around 710 – 800. The obverse depicts the head of Woden with crosses to either side of rounded beard and pellet above. The reverse depicts a monster facing left. These coins are considered to be associated with the early trading center at Ribe. It is very likely that they made their way to England by means of Vikings.
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Viking Objects
Danish Silver Sceat (LEIC-5608D1)
This silver sceat is classified as part of the Danish Series X Type 31. The obverse depicts the head of Woden with crosses to either side of a rounded beard and pellet above. The reverse depicts a monster facing left. These coins are considered to be associated with the early trading center at Ribe in Denmark. It is very likely that they made their way to England by means of Vikings.
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Viking Objects
Stirrup-Strap Mount (LIN-CFA7D4)
This example of an Anglo-Scandinavian cast copper-alloy stirrup-strap mount is classed as Williams Class A, Type 1A. It is decorated with a symmetrical pair of moulded beasts shown in profile in the Ringerike/Urnes style.
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Viking Objects
Silver Dirham (DENO-07CCA4)
A complete silver dirham of Madinat al-Salam (Baghdad) reign of al-Mahdi Billah, 163 AH (780 AD). The dirham was a unit of weight used across North Africa, the Middle East, and Persia, with varying values which also referred to the type of coins used in the Middle East during the Viking Age. These coins were extremely prized possessions not only for their silver value but as a way of displaying one’s wealth and vast trade connections. Millions of Arabic dirhams would have been imported throughout the Viking world and are mostly found in hoards.
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Viking Objects
Stirrup Strap Mount (NARC-C34373)
This cast copper-alloy stirrup strap mount is decorated with Ringerike style ornamentation and is classed under Williams Class A Type 1.
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Viking Objects
Probable Thor’s Hammer Pendant (NLM-1A6811)
These may have been worn to show devotion to the god Thor, or to secure the god’s protection, although there is little evidence to support this interpretation. Pendants like this have been found made of lead, copper alloy, silver and gold, as well as other materials, showing that many different strata of society could have worn them. 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
Irish Strap-End (NLM-A30415)
This Irish-type strap-end has been classified as a Thomas Class F strap-end. One of the panels seems to have retained a possible reticulated interlace pattern while the inner area is decorated with six dots of inlay. Its manufacture is possibly traced to Dublin between c. 950-1050 and it 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
Jellinge-Style Disc Brooch (LEIC-A30166)
This brooch has been classed under the Jansson Type I A1 category with decoration consisting of an openwork Jellinge design depicting an intertwined ribbon-like beast. For more information on Scandinavian jewellery in England check out our blog: Brooches, Pendants and Pins: Scandinavian Dress Accessories in England.