Viking Art

During the Viking Age, from 750-1050 A.D., Vikings traveled over a huge portion of the northern hemisphere. Starting in the Caspian Sea, in the east, to the Mediterranean in the south, throughout Northern Europe, across the Atlantic, and into the Hudson Bay.(1) The proof of these voyages remains mostly in legends and myths. We do however, have one more clue that helps us learn a little bit more about the Vikings. In addition to being the fierce warriors, and expert explorers, Vikings were master craftsman, with a creative mind in art.

Pieces of Viking art have been found in every region in which they were said to have traveled. Not only does this give the legends about Viking's, some sort of proof, I gives us a better look at Scandinavian culture and people.

With just one look, any art enthusiast containing a bit of knowledge, would be able to identify a piece of art that had been crafted by a Viking or with Scandinavian influence at this time. That is because their style is so unique. The fine metals used, crafted with creative expertise and some reference to Scandinavian myth would be hard to confuse with anything else.

It is important to remember that during this time, there were no factories or stores where people could go to buy things that they needed. They had to make everything by hand. Often times, while making something, the Vikings would personalize it by engraving pictures or inlaying jewels. This made almost everything a piece of art. Tools, and even combs, made from antlers and bone had such elaborate engravings in them that they could easily be argued as works of art.

A few very common items that were frequently decorated were, weapons, jewelry, ships, and personal belongings such as combs and brooches.

Their weapons were made of steel, they used a lot of different types of axes and swords in battle. The craftsmanship in each weapon was unique. They would often inlay bronze designs into the shaft and blade of weapons, making them very exotic. (3).

Their jewelry was no less elegant. Most of the jewelry related to the Vikings was made of silver and bronze. They would make molds of the desired shapes and would then melt the silver down and pour it into the molds. The most common pieces of jewelry were pendants, rings, brooches, and hair clasps. The pendants were also made from gold, as well as silver, and were worn on necklaces. They were usual a coin shaped piece with a stamped design such as an animal or some mythological item. Other pendants were made from molds. A popular one for the Vikings was the hammer of Thor. Worn as a symbol of a warrior.

Brooches were decorative metal pins used to hold clothing together. An example of a more modern brooch would be a cameo. The brooch was made by pouring the desired metal into a mold, and breaking it free after it had set. Most brooches were round, or oval in shape, with a lot of intricate designs, usually Celtic.

The Vikings were known to have hoards of this type of jewelry. Wether they created it themself, or they gained it from raiding monasteries, we know that they valued it greatly. We know this because we have found some of these hoards. Some containing over a thousand pieces of work..

Another thing that the Vikings were know, and feared for, was their ships. Not only were these ships fast, and highly maneuverable, they were beautiful. The ships were maid of strong wood. Before they were stained and sealed, they were designed. Often times there would be pictures and designs carved into the crest of the ship, continuing for the entire length of the ship. Keeping in mind that it was not uncommon for these ships to be up to 60 feet in length.(2)

It is not hard to understand why these ships have such a reputation.

When people think of the Vikings, they think of savage beasts, that raided a killed for no reason. Nomads with no intention. One characteristic that is seldom used to describe the Vikings is artists. The Vikings were creative, and intelligent people. They were problem solvers and explorers. They were artists. They found new and effective ways to travel, dress, and express beliefs. Every thing that the Vikings had was created from hand, and done so with pride. From their sleek ships to their own hair brushs. All containing beautiful cravings and metal inlays that took a lot of time, a lot of thought, and a lot of hard work. All characteristics of art.

Works Cited

1. WWW.MNH.SI..EDU/VIKINGS.htm

2. www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings.htm

3. http://www.jelldragon.com/viking.htm

4. Steven Hause, William Maltby " Western Civilization" 1999