Norse Spirit
The common perception of Vikings is that they were rowdy, bloodthirsty, filthy people who frequently sported beards and wore their hair in long braids. This folkloristic portrayal often did not correspond to reality, as demonstrated in the articles before this one.
The discovery of many artifacts demonstrates that the Vikings were not only people with refined tastes but also exquisite people committed to commerce with the most powerful nations of their period, specifically the Holy Roman Empire, the Arabian, and the Byzantine Empire.
They were able to navigate the open sea and along the rivers with the shallow draft because of their use of the Drakkar, ships with flat keels. Because of this, they could make explorations in Greenland and Iceland and reach the coasts of North America a few centuries before Columbus.
The period from 750 and 1050 AD is referred to as the Golden Age, and it encompasses the reign of the Vikings. During these three centuries, Scandinavian cultures increased their economic capacity and level of knowledge. Then, beginning in the 11th century, these societies adopted Christian principles.
A brief history of Viking Jewelry
The history of jewelry made by Vikings is lengthy and rich in detail. However, it is generally agreed that the first examples of Viking jewelry date back to the eighth century. People who lived in Scandinavia were members of a group known as the Viking rings. They were renowned for their prowess in battle as well as their thirst for exciting new experiences.
They were also well-known for their skill as craftsmen in their day. The Vikings were noted for their exquisite jewelry, particularly their bracelets. They appreciated refinement and beauty, and the jewelry they wore is evidence that their civilization was dedicated to more than just raiding sexual activity or culinary satisfaction.
The discovery of Norse jewelry, including exquisite Viking bracelets and necklaces made of gold and silver, will provide conclusive evidence when displayed at the Vikingr exhibition in Oslo in 2020. Exceptionally complex objects of French, Russian, and English manufacture, most likely the consequence of a trade that took place in 858, thanks to which the Carolingian Franks paid with this treasure for the rescue of the bishop of St. Denis and his son from captivity.
What can you do with Viking Jewelry?
In the same way, we do today, Vikings wore a diverse selection of Jewelry. It was standard practice for Vikings to wear symbols with a symbolic and personal or spiritual meaning. Jewelry was created for both beauty and as a transaction for money.
Necklaces and bracelets were frequently worn to fend off evil spirits, while rings were worn as a symbol of riches and rank in ancient times. Amulets were common and featured runes or other magical symbols carved into their surfaces.
Pendants were another common type of Viking jewelry, and they were often used to show allegiance to a particular god or goddess. For example, Thor’s hammer, also known as Mjolnir, is thought to be the most common piece of jewelry. Pendants were another common type of Viking jewelry, and they were often used to show allegiance to a particular god or goddess. For example, pendants, created in honor of Thor, Odin’s son and the god of thunder and lightning, were frequently worn for protection during combat. This is because Thor was one of the principal deities in Norse mythology.
The designs based on Norse mythology and Celtic culture elements are consistently the most sought after. The methods of dragons, wolves, and other creatures featured prominently in Norse mythology and were regarded as sacred are pretty popular.
Runes, which were employed as a form of writing during the Viking age, and Celtic knots utilized as adornments in many Viking objects, are two examples of other prominent designs. Archaeological digs are the sole source of the knowledge we now possess regarding priceless Nordic Jewelry.
Archaeologists have found evidence that Viking men and women used Jewelry during this time.
Most Viking women accessorized their garments with brooches and necklaces featuring animal designs. These accessories were believed to be a part of their costume. In addition, the Vikings wore various distinctive jewelry pieces, including but not limited to necklaces, bracelets, hand and foot rings, bangles, amulets, pendants, armbands, beads, brooches, and even earrings, on their necks, wrists, or arms.
