Did Vikings Wear Jewelry?
The question "Did Vikings wear jewelry?" often arises when exploring the history and culture of these legendary Norse seafarers. The answer is a resounding yes—both men and women in the viking age not only wore jewelry, but their adornments were rich with symbolism, practicality, beauty and even spiritual uses.
From intricately designed arm rings to functional brooches and pendants bearing magical power or protection, viking jewelry offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and culture of the Viking Age. Let’s explore the different types of jewelry Vikings wore and their significance.
What jewelry did vikings wear?
This article is a short summary of the type of jewelry that were worn in the viking age. To see out full in depth article with the written sources and archeological finds from the viking age provided, see here!
1. Arm Rings: More Than Just Jewelry
Armrings were one of the most common forms of Viking jewelry, showing up in more than half of all grave goods from the archeology. They were crafted from a variety of materials, including silver, bronze, iron, and occasionally gold. These arm rings were worn on the wrist or upper arm and featured intricate patterns, often showcasing the craftsmanship of skilled smiths. But sometimes they were simple shaped metal rods of a minimall design.
But Viking arm rings were more than decorative; they held significant societal and cultural importance:
- Currency and Trade: Arm rings were sometimes designed to be broken into pieces (hacksilver) to facilitate barter and trade.
- Tokens of Loyalty: Chieftains gifted arm rings to warriors as a symbol of allegiance, solidifying alliances and rewarding loyalty.
- Symbols of Wealth and Status: The more ornate the design and the rarer the material, the higher the wearer’s social status.
2. Necklaces and Pendants: Symbols of Belief and Power
Viking necklaces often featured pendants with deep symbolic meanings, with one of the most famous designs being the Mjölnir pendant, representing Thor’s hammer. While Mjölnir necklaces are iconic today, their prevalence during the Viking Age is debated.
Did Vikings Really Wear Mjölnir Necklaces?
Archaeological evidence reveals a modest number of Mjölnir pendants across Scandinavia and surrounding regions. Interestingly, no mentions of Thor’s hammer necklaces appear in the Viking sagas or other contemporary Norse literature, suggesting that their cultural significance may not have been as widespread as modern depictions suggest.
Other pendants, such as those shaped like animals or crafted with intricate knotwork, also appeared in Viking jewelry, reflecting animist belief and connections to Norse mythology.
3. Beaded Jewelry: A Favorite Among Viking Women
Beaded jewelry was especially popular in the Viking Age, particularly among women. Viking beads were made from materials such as:
- Amber: Sourced locally and highly valued for its warm glow and believed protective properties.
- Glass: Often traded from other cultures, glass beads showcased the Vikings’ vast trade network.
- Ceramic and Bone: Simple yet beautiful, these materials were used for everyday wear.
Arab traveller documents that viking women highly valued this bead jewelry:
"Brooches, torques and beads:
All their women wear on their bosoms a circular brooch made of iron, silver, copper or gold, depending on their husband’s wealth and social position. Each brooch has a ring in which is a knife, also attached to the bosom. Round their necks, they wear torques of gold and silver, for every man, as soon as he accumulates 10,000 dirhams, has a torque made for his wife. When he has 20,000, he has two torques made and so on. Every time he increases his fortune by 10,000, he adds another torque to those his wife already possesses, so that one woman may have many torques round her neck."
-Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness, 10th century
(Amber beads at the National Museum of Denmark)
4. Brooches and Clasps: Practical and Stylish
Brooches and clasps were not just decorative but also functional, serving as essential components of Viking clothing. Women commonly wore tortoise brooches, oval-shaped pieces used to fasten their overdresses near the shoulders. These brooches varied by region, with styles often reflecting local influences.
For men, penannular brooches with long pins were used to secure cloaks, and their design ranged from simple to highly ornate. Brooches and clasps often included intricate openwork designs, showcasing the Vikings’ attention to detail. These items were also indicators of social status, with wealthier individuals wearing larger, more elaborate pieces made from precious metals.
5. Finger Rings: Simple Yet Significant
Although less common than other forms of Viking jewelry, finger rings were worn by both men and women. These rings were typically made of silver or bronze and often featured runic inscriptions or intricate patterns. While they are not as frequently found in archaeological sites as arm rings or brooches, they likely held personal significance for the wearer.
What Does Viking Jewelry Tell Us About Their Culture?
Viking jewelry was far more than simple adornment. It served as:
- A Form of Expression: Reflecting personal beliefs, cultural values, and social identity.
- A Tool of Functionality: From brooches fastening clothing to arm rings serving as currency, Viking jewelry was as practical as it was beautiful.
- A Reflection of Trade: Materials like amber and glass highlight the Vikings’ expansive trade routes and cultural exchanges.
- A Symbol of Status: The materials and craftsmanship of jewelry often indicated wealth and power.
The craftsmanship and diversity of Viking jewelry also demonstrate the Vikings’ creativity and their ability to blend functionality with artistry.
Discover Authentic Viking Jewelry
Looking to embrace the spirit of the Viking Age? Explore our collection of authentic Viking jewelry, including handcrafted arm rings, necklaces, and Mjölnir pendants. Made in Scandinavia using traditional techniques, our pieces honor the artistry and symbolism of Viking culture.
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