14 | Viking Explorer Society News
The Vikings were much more than legendary seafaring explorers.
A closer look at their jewellery, available to guests on board through
the Viking Heritage exhibit, reveals a high level of artistic skill and
a fascinating design vocabulary that evolved over the duration of
the Viking Age, which historians agree is roughly the period from
789 to 1066 AD.
EVOLVING DESIGN
The volume of fine silver jewellery recovered from burial hoards across
Europe suggests that silver coinage obtained through trade was
melted down and used as adornments. Worn by men and women,
these indicated social status and may have also functioned as amulets.
As the Viking Age progressed, the style of the designs changed.
Historians generally classify Viking artefacts into six styles, each named
after the area where a pivotal decorative object was unearthed.
Throughout this period, design styles sometimes coexisted side by
side, at times even combined in a single piece, and some artefacts
demonstrated a melding of Viking designs with those of other cultures.
THE OSEBERG STYLE
The earliest recognisable style, dating to the 9th century, is known as
the Oseberg style and features twisting animal forms and a gripping
beast motif—a hallmark design element that appears well into the
next century. The style's name references the famous Oseberg ship
found in a large burial mound in Norway; the ship is currently on
display at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.
In celebration of our Norwegian heritage, we take a closer look at the
traditional skills and artistry showcased in these intricate designs.
Viking Jewellery
AN INTRICATE
CULTURAL HISTORY
