Viking Jewelry Uncovered in Denmark Dating Back 7th to 11th Century

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 07-27-2013, 09:44 AM

Several pieces of Viking jewelry, some of which contain gold, have been uncovered at a farm site in Denmark that dates as far back as 1,300 years.

Although the Vikings have a popular reputation as being raiders, they were also farmers, traders and explorers, and the craftsmanship seen in this jewelry demonstrates their artistic skills.

Archaeologists working with volunteers used metal detectors to find the jewelry in different spots throughout a farmstead on Zealand, the largest island in Denmark.

The remains of the site, which is now called Vestervang, date from the late seventh to the early 11th centuries.

pic 1.
This particular piece is made of copper alloy and shows an animal figure with a beadlike chain around its neck.

Additionally three masked figures can also be seen.

The object is about 2.9 inches in diameter and may have been worn as part of a necklace.

pic 2.
Up-close view of the face of the surviving animal figure. It appears to be an anthropomorphic image something common in Viking art.

Originally the object would have had three figures like this. Such images may be of shamanic importance, helping to mediate between this world and another.

pic 3.
This brooch appears to be from continental Europe and contains gold textured in a waffle shape, along with a cross that was made of red glass and semiprecious stone.

The artifact was made between A.D. 500-750, apparently predating the Viking age farm site.

It's possible that it was acquired by a non-Christian at the site through exchange.

It may have been worn by a high-ranking woman, perhaps on a dress.

pic 4.
The upper part of an oval double shelled brooch, just over two inches (5 centimeters) in size.

Partly gilded with gold it contains dozens of tiny incisions along with raised areas and swirling decorations. It dates to between AD 850-950.

pic 5.
A fragment of a small brooch decorated in gilded relief. It dates to around the 8th century AD

pic 6.
A fragment of a "trefoil" (three lobed) brooch decorated in relief, it dates to between AD 850–950.

Its design shows influence from a European culture known as Carolingian.

pic 7.
Another trefoil brooch, this one with all three of its lobes preserved.

Carved with geometric motifs it is believed to date to the late 8th or early 9th century AD.

pic 8.
This copper alloy brooch, gilded with gold, is decorated with three sets of double-horned, heart shaped spirals in low relief.