Jewelry
Viking jewelry, dating as far back as 1,300 year was discovered on a farm in Denmark.
"The "most spectacular" example is 2.9 inches (73 millimeters) long and shows an image of a heart-shaped animal head with rounded ears and circular eyes, writes archaeologist Ole Thirup Kastholm, of the Roskilde Museum, in a paper published in the most recent edition of the Danish Journal of Archaeology. The piece, made of copper alloy, may be part of a necklace.
"The neck is covered by a beadlike chain," Kastholm writes. "Above the creatures forelegs, there are marked elbow joints and three-fingered paws or feet, which awkwardly grasp backwards to what might be hind legs or wings." The object probably had three similar images originally, but only one survives.
In addition to the animal image, the item, possibly a pendant, also shows three masked figures, each with a "drooping moustache." A "circular mark is seen between the eyebrows and above this, two ears or horns emerge, giving the humanlike mask an animal character," Kastholm writes."
Craftsmanship
"The Viking age produced rich, diversified art forms and crafts. A good blacksmith and a good poet would be equally acknowledged in Viking society. Crafts were most often produced by local craftsmen, but specialized masters also traveled to markets all over Northern Europe. A craftsman was often buried with his tools; they were important symbols of his status in death as well as in life. Viking craft was widely recognized as fine art all over the known world in the Viking age. The Viking craftsmen, carvers, painters and poets were responsible for most of our current knowledge about the Vikings."
Sagas and Poems
Most Norse sagas were complied during medieval Iceland. Sagas are usually narratives, in either pros or poem form. They told the stories of voyages and the battles these voyages. The migration of people to Iceland and the feuds among various families were also common subjects. These sagas spread the stories of courageous men, and offer an insight into the values of their culture. Despite being embellished, these sagas are still valuable historical documents because they are examples of what people found entertaining, what they valued, and what they believed/
For interesting podcasts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/subjects/english/viking_sagas
Viking jewelry, dating as far back as 1,300 year was discovered on a farm in Denmark.
"The "most spectacular" example is 2.9 inches (73 millimeters) long and shows an image of a heart-shaped animal head with rounded ears and circular eyes, writes archaeologist Ole Thirup Kastholm, of the Roskilde Museum, in a paper published in the most recent edition of the Danish Journal of Archaeology. The piece, made of copper alloy, may be part of a necklace.
"The neck is covered by a beadlike chain," Kastholm writes. "Above the creatures forelegs, there are marked elbow joints and three-fingered paws or feet, which awkwardly grasp backwards to what might be hind legs or wings." The object probably had three similar images originally, but only one survives.
In addition to the animal image, the item, possibly a pendant, also shows three masked figures, each with a "drooping moustache." A "circular mark is seen between the eyebrows and above this, two ears or horns emerge, giving the humanlike mask an animal character," Kastholm writes."
Craftsmanship
"The Viking age produced rich, diversified art forms and crafts. A good blacksmith and a good poet would be equally acknowledged in Viking society. Crafts were most often produced by local craftsmen, but specialized masters also traveled to markets all over Northern Europe. A craftsman was often buried with his tools; they were important symbols of his status in death as well as in life. Viking craft was widely recognized as fine art all over the known world in the Viking age. The Viking craftsmen, carvers, painters and poets were responsible for most of our current knowledge about the Vikings."
Sagas and Poems
Most Norse sagas were complied during medieval Iceland. Sagas are usually narratives, in either pros or poem form. They told the stories of voyages and the battles these voyages. The migration of people to Iceland and the feuds among various families were also common subjects. These sagas spread the stories of courageous men, and offer an insight into the values of their culture. Despite being embellished, these sagas are still valuable historical documents because they are examples of what people found entertaining, what they valued, and what they believed/
For interesting podcasts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/subjects/english/viking_sagas
Interesting Elements of Viking Art
Upon observing viking art, the common themes of abstract animal forms and geometric patterns and designs. Animals such as snakes, dragons, and other beasts were depicted in such contorting positions that they were barely recognizable. These designs were devoid of plant ornament, and were often applied to common objects.
Upon observing viking art, the common themes of abstract animal forms and geometric patterns and designs. Animals such as snakes, dragons, and other beasts were depicted in such contorting positions that they were barely recognizable. These designs were devoid of plant ornament, and were often applied to common objects.