Difference between revisions of "Amulets"

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{{Stars1|Category = Necklaces}}
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{{Stars2|Category = Necklaces|Typology = Amulet Typology|TypologyFile = Amulets.png}}
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{{Necklace}}
 +
{{MajorRef|Jensen 2010}}
 +
 
 +
Amulets are classed as protective items and usually are in the shape of a specific object.<br>
 +
[[Pendants]] may or may not be protective items and are generally more stylistic or are items that have been repurposed. <br>
  
 
==Thor's Hammers==
 
==Thor's Hammers==
[[Thor's Hammers]]<br>
+
See main article: [[Thor's Hammers]]<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Ha85.jpg|England, Cuerdale
 +
Norwich-Thors Hammer-3.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
Norwich-Thors Hammer-4-7.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
R679.jpg|Norway
 +
M624.JPG|Sweden
 +
Norwich-Thors Hammer-1.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
Norwich-Thors Hammer-2.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
Hedeby Thors hammer.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
Hedeby_Amber_Thors_hammer.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
M626.jpg|Sweden
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
 
==Valkyrie and other Human Amulets ==
 
==Valkyrie and other Human Amulets ==
[[Valkyrie and other Human Amulets]]<br>
+
See main article: [[Valkyrie and other Human Amulets]]<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
PAS_Valkyrie_LEIC-C58A13.jpg|PAS
 +
PAS_Valkyrie_SF9305.jpg|PAS
 +
Norwich-Valkyrie-1.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
Hedeby_Brooch_Valkeyrie.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
Norwich-Valkyrie-2.JPG|England, Norwich
 +
PAS_Valkyrie_SF10754.jpg|PAS
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Hedeby_Amulet_Sword.JPG
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 29: Line 61:
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Snake figurines [V/F]==
+
==Snake figurines ([[V]]/[[F]])==
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010, p.37-39)
+
[JENSEN 2010: p.37-39]
 
* England, 1 find of jet
 
* England, 1 find of jet
 
* Ireland, 3 finds, 2 of wood, 1 of stone
 
* Ireland, 3 finds, 2 of wood, 1 of stone
Line 41: Line 75:
 
* Sweden, 3 finds of silver, 2 found in women’s graves
 
* Sweden, 3 finds of silver, 2 found in women’s graves
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
R690.jpg
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Miniature shields [V/F]==
+
==Miniature shields ([[V]]/[[F]])==
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010, p.49-51)
+
[JENSEN 2010: p.49-51]
 
* Denmark, 23 finds, 11 of copper alloy,11 of silver, 1 of unknown  
 
* Denmark, 23 finds, 11 of copper alloy,11 of silver, 1 of unknown  
 
* Norway, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave  
 
* Norway, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave  
 +
** Norway, Hedmark: Flagstad Parish [http://www.unimus.no/artefacts/khm/86370/?f=html Universitetsmuseene]
 
* Scania (Sweden), 4 finds of silver  
 
* Scania (Sweden), 4 finds of silver  
 
* Sweden, 38 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 37 of silver, 18 from women’s grave  
 
* Sweden, 38 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 37 of silver, 18 from women’s grave  
* Gotland (Sweden), 6 finds, 3 of copper alloy, 3 of silver (ARWIDSSON 1989, p.9-18)
+
* Gotland (Sweden), 6 finds, 3 of copper alloy, 3 of silver [ARWIDSSON 1989: p.9-18]
 
* Russia, 7 finds  
 
* Russia, 7 finds  
 
* Arland (Finland), 1 find  
 
* Arland (Finland), 1 find  
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
Arwidsson has described the finds from Birka: 16 were found all of silver. 15 from women’s graves and one from a child’s grave. Dated to the mid C10th to mid C11th. 8 were found between oval brooches and 5 as part of bead necklaces. They seem to be a Swedish / Danish item and are interpreted as symbolic miniature shields always with a clockwise whorl.  Some even have signs that the makers have tried to incorporate a shield grip on the reverse. (ARWIDSSON 1989, p.9-18) (ARBMAN 1940, pl.97)<br>
+
Arwidsson has described the finds from Birka: 16 were found all of silver. 15 from women’s graves and one from a child’s grave. Dated to the mid C10th to mid C11th. 8 were found between oval brooches and 5 as part of bead necklaces. They seem to be a Swedish / Danish item and are interpreted as symbolic miniature shields always with a clockwise whorl.  Some even have signs that the makers have tried to incorporate a shield grip on the reverse. [ARWIDSSON 1989: p.9-18] [ARBMAN 1940: pl.97]<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Birka_shield_amulet_Gr.954.jpg|Birka Gr.954
 +
Birka_shield_amulet_Gr.817.jpg|Birka Gr.817
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
 
==Bowls, sieves and spoons==
 
==Bowls, sieves and spoons==
  
===Bowls [V/F]===
+
===Bowls ([[V]]/[[F]])===
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010)
+
[JENSEN 2010]
 
* Denmark, 2 finds of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave
 
* Denmark, 2 finds of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave
 
* Norway, 8 finds of gold all from Hoen hoard
 
* Norway, 8 finds of gold all from Hoen hoard
Line 69: Line 111:
 
* Gotland, 2 finds of silver
 
* Gotland, 2 finds of silver
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 74: Line 118:
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010)
+
[JENSEN 2010]
 
* Norway, 4 finds, 3 of gold from the Hoen hoard, 1 of silver
 
* Norway, 4 finds, 3 of gold from the Hoen hoard, 1 of silver
 
* Sweden, 1 find of silver
 
* Sweden, 1 find of silver
 
* Gotland, 5 finds, 2 of copper alloy, 3 of silver
 
* Gotland, 5 finds, 2 of copper alloy, 3 of silver
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 84: Line 130:
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010)
+
[JENSEN 2010]
 
* Gotland, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver
 
* Gotland, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Chairs [V]==
+
==Chairs ([[V]])==
  
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010, p.58-61)
+
[JENSEN 2010: p.58-61]
* Denmark, 5 finds of silver, 2 found in woman’s graves, C10th
+
* Denmark, 4 finds of silver, 2 found in woman’s graves, C10th
 +
** Gravlev sogn. Silver, Hoard [JENSEN 2010:cat.115]
 +
** Bornholms amt. Silver, Hoards [JENSEN 2010:cat.181]
 +
** Års sogn. Silver, Hoard [JENSEN 2010:cat.206]
 +
** Nørre Onsild sogn. Silver, Woman's grave. [JENSEN 2010:cat.207]
 +
*Germany
 +
** Hedeby. Silver, grave. [ROESDAHL & WILSON 1992:cat. 187]
 
* Gotland, 6 finds, 2 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 2 of amber, 1 from a male grave, c.1000AD
 
* Gotland, 6 finds, 2 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 2 of amber, 1 from a male grave, c.1000AD
 +
** Fölhagen, Björke. SHM 3547. Silver, Hoard. [JENSEN 2010:cat.465] [ROESDAHL & WILSON 1992:cat.143] [GRAHAM-CAMPBELL 1980:cat.521] [WOV 2003:cat.753]
 +
** Fölhagen, Björke. SHM 3547. Silver, Hoard. [JENSEN 2010:cat.1377] [ROESDAHL & WILSON 1992:cat.143]
 +
** Hellvi. SHM 22917. Amber, grave. [JENSEN 2010:cat.499]
 +
** Grötlingbo. SHM 32181. Amber, grave. [JENSEN 2010:cat.1629] Found in head region. Bhr 1966:08. [RUNDKVIST 2003:p.186]
 +
** Hejnum. SHM 876. Copper Alloy, grave. Lost? [JENSEN 2010:cat.1410]
 +
** Sanda. SHM 21187. Copper Alloy, stray. Part of an amulet set of a horse, sword, spear, chair & shield. [JENSEN 2010:cat.1846]
 
* Sweden, 5 finds, 4 of silver, 3 from women’s graves, c.750-975AD
 
* Sweden, 5 finds, 4 of silver, 3 from women’s graves, c.750-975AD
 +
** Edsberg. Silver, hoard [JENSEN 2010:cat.570]
 +
** Birka. SHM 34000. Silver, grave Bj.968 [JENSEN 2010:cat.847] [GRAHAM-CAMPBELL 1980:cat.520] [WOV 2003:cat.5288] [ARBMAN 1940:Taf.92.14] [http://www.historiska.se/historia/manadensforemal/2008/Sejdhallen---en-biljett-till-varlden/ (SHM Online)] [http://mis.historiska.se/mis/sok/kontext.asp?kid=1152 (Birka Burials Online)]
 +
** Birka. SHM 34000. Silver, grave Bj.844 [JENSEN 2010:cat.829] [http://mis.historiska.se/mis/sok/kontext.asp?kid=1033 (Birka Burials Online)]
 +
** Birka. SHM 34000. Silver, grave Bj.632. Part of a [[Treasure Necklaces|Treasure Necklace]]. [JENSEN 2010:cat.798] [http://mis.historiska.se/mis/sok/kontext.asp?kid=834 (Birka Burials Online)]
 +
** Langlöt. Amber, grave [JENSEN 2010:cat.1331]
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Hedeby_Amulet_Chair_1.JPG
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
==Miniature wheels [V]==
+
==Miniature wheels ([[V]])==
 
Silver or copper alloy<br>
 
Silver or copper alloy<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
(JENSEN 2010, p.63)
+
[JENSEN 2010: p.63]
 
* Denmark, 4 finds of copper alloy, 750-1100AD
 
* Denmark, 4 finds of copper alloy, 750-1100AD
 
* Skane, 1 find of silver, C10th  
 
* Skane, 1 find of silver, C10th  
Line 108: Line 176:
 
* Sweden, 3 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 2 found in women’s graves, 750-975AD
 
* Sweden, 3 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 2 found in women’s graves, 750-975AD
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
Dated by Jensen to 900-950AD. (JENSEN 2010, p.63)<br>
+
Dated by Jensen to 900-950AD. [JENSEN 2010: p.63]<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 115: Line 185:
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Hedeby_Cross_1.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
Hedeby_Cross_2.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
Hedeby_Cross_3.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 139: Line 220:
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
(ROESDAHL and WILSON, From Viking to Crusader, The Scandinavians and Europe 800-1200 1992)
+
[ROESDAHL & WILSON: 1992]
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Hedeby Amulet Amber Leg.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
Line 152: Line 238:
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Archaeology'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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* 1 from York, after 860AD
 
* 1 from York, after 860AD
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
 
'''Discussion'''<br>
Jensen makes a case for this style of pendent being a Hedeby local tradition. (JENSEN 2010)<br>
+
Jensen makes a case for this style of pendent being a Hedeby local tradition. [JENSEN 2010]<br>
 +
<gallery mode=Packed heights=120px style="Padding-left:30px; text-align:left;">
 +
Hedeby_Amulet_Anchor.JPG|Denmark, Hedeby
 +
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
 
==Reference==
 
==Reference==
<nocite>
+
{{Ref|Arbman 1940}}
JENSEN2010
+
{{Ref|Graham-Campbell 1980}}
PAS
+
{{Ref|Jensen 2010}}
</nocite>
+
{{Ref|PAS}}
<biblio force=false>#[[Template:Bib]]</biblio>
+
{{Ref|Roesdahl & Wilson 1992}}
 +
{{Ref|Rundkvist 2003}}
 +
{{Ref|WOV 2003}}
 +
 
 
<HarvardReferences />
 
<HarvardReferences />

Latest revision as of 15:46, 17 December 2016

Amulets.png

Amulet Typology
More Necklaces pages

Completion Rating
This article's completion rating is 2 out of 5. Article structure and content is subject to change as data is still being collected.
Completion Rating
This article's completion rating is 2 out of 5. Article structure and content is subject to change as data is still being collected.
Viking Age Compendium articles on Necklaces:
VA Necklace Leg.JPG
Amulets
Viking Age Compendium articles on Necklaces:
VA Necklace Leg.JPG
Amulets

Amulets are classed as protective items and usually are in the shape of a specific object.
Pendants may or may not be protective items and are generally more stylistic or are items that have been repurposed.

Thor's Hammers

See main article: Thor's Hammers


Valkyrie and other Human Amulets

See main article: Valkyrie and other Human Amulets


Miniature Weapons

Miniature axes

Archaeology
Discussion


Miniature spears

Archaeology
Discussion


Miniature swords

Archaeology
Discussion


Other animal figurines

Archaeology
Discussion


Snake figurines (V/F)

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]:p.37-39

  • England, 1 find of jet
  • Ireland, 3 finds, 2 of wood, 1 of stone
  • Denmark, 4 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 1 unknown, 1 from a woman’s grave
  • Norway, 4 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver, 1 of gold, 1 of jet, 3 from women’s graves
  • Sweden, 3 finds of silver, 2 found in women’s graves

Discussion


Miniature shields (V/F)

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]:p.49-51

  • Denmark, 23 finds, 11 of copper alloy,11 of silver, 1 of unknown
  • Norway, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave
  • Scania (Sweden), 4 finds of silver
  • Sweden, 38 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 37 of silver, 18 from women’s grave
  • Gotland (Sweden), 6 finds, 3 of copper alloy, 3 of silver [ARWIDSSON 1989: p.9-18]
  • Russia, 7 finds
  • Arland (Finland), 1 find

Discussion
Arwidsson has described the finds from Birka: 16 were found all of silver. 15 from women’s graves and one from a child’s grave. Dated to the mid C10th to mid C11th. 8 were found between oval brooches and 5 as part of bead necklaces. They seem to be a Swedish / Danish item and are interpreted as symbolic miniature shields always with a clockwise whorl. Some even have signs that the makers have tried to incorporate a shield grip on the reverse. [ARWIDSSON 1989: p.9-18] [ARBMAN 1940]:pl.97


Bowls, sieves and spoons

Bowls (V/F)

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]

  • Denmark, 2 finds of silver, 1 from a woman’s grave
  • Norway, 8 finds of gold all from Hoen hoard
  • Sweden, 12 finds, 10 of silver, 2 of lead, 9 from women’s graves
  • Gotland, 2 finds of silver

Discussion


Sieves

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]

  • Norway, 4 finds, 3 of gold from the Hoen hoard, 1 of silver
  • Sweden, 1 find of silver
  • Gotland, 5 finds, 2 of copper alloy, 3 of silver

Discussion


Spoons

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]

  • Gotland, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver

Discussion


Chairs (V)

Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]:p.58-61

Discussion


Miniature wheels (V)

Silver or copper alloy
Archaeology
[JENSEN 2010]:p.63

  • Denmark, 4 finds of copper alloy, 750-1100AD
  • Skane, 1 find of silver, C10th
  • Norway, 2 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 1 of silver, C10th
  • Sweden, 3 finds, 1 of copper alloy, 2 of silver, 2 found in women’s graves, 750-975AD

Discussion
Dated by Jensen to 900-950AD. [JENSEN 2010]:p.63


Capsules and “scare-men”

Archaeology
Discussion


Staff-rings

Archaeology
Discussion


Miniature sickles and scythes

Archaeology
Discussion


Crosses

Archaeology
Discussion


Strike-a-lights

Archaeology
Discussion
[ROESDAHL & WILSON: 1992]


Legs

Archaeology
Discussion


Lunulae

Archaeology
Discussion


Anchors

Shaped as an anchor. All are made from lead.
Archaeology

  • 10 from Hedeby, unknown date but must be between 806-1066AD
  • 1 from York, after 860AD

Discussion
Jensen makes a case for this style of pendent being a Hedeby local tradition. [JENSEN 2010]


Reference

Arbman, Holger (1940) Birka 1 Die Graber: Tafeln. [The Graves: Plates] Birka, Kungliga Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien [ARBMAN 1940] ^ 1 2 *
Graham-Campbell, James (ed.) (1980) Viking Artefacts, A Select Catalogue. British Museum Publications [GRAHAM-CAMPBELL 1980] ^ 1 2 *
Jensen, Bo (2010) Viking Age Amulets in Scandinavia and Western Europe.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR S2169 [JENSEN 2010] ^ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 *
Portable Antiquities Scheme http://finds.org.uk [PAS] *
Roesdahl, Else, and Wilson, David M. (eds.) (1992) From Viking to Crusader, The Scandinavians and Europe 800-1200. Nordic Council of Ministers. [ROESDAHL & WILSON 1992] ^ 1 2 3 *
[RUNDKVIST 2003] ^ *
Council of Europe (2003) World of the Vikings. CD-ROM. Alive Learning Ltd. [WOV 2003] ^ 1 2 *