Recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the Viking Age, challenging commonly held conceptions of this key period in European history.
Pendant, Thorshammer, silver. Filigree ornamentation. Unknown find spot,
Scania, Sweden [Credit: © National Historical Museum, Sweden]The traditional view of the Vikings – stereotypes of raiders wearing horned helmets – has been replaced by a more complete and up-to-date picture.
Silver pendant in the shape of a male head
[Credit: © The Swedish History Museum]The National Museum of Scotland is the only UK venue for this outstanding exhibition of more than 500 objects from the world-renowned collections of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm. Rarely seen outside Scandinavia, these artefacts show the Vikings in a new and intriguing light.
This silver pendant is considered to be the oldest known crucifix in
present-day Sweden I[Credit: © The Swedish History Museum]Discover the power of mythology and the symbolism of Viking ships; gain fascinating insights into domestic life and death rituals; and view evidence of astonishing Viking workmanship in jewellery, metalwork, textiles and objects made from glass, bone and amber. See the earliest Scandinavian crucifix along with other striking silver pendants representing the pagan Norse Gods.
Bronze figurine generally accepted to be a representation of the
god Frey. [Credit: © National Historical Museum, Sweden]By bringing together these unique objects with new research and hands-on displays, the exhibition reveals who the Vikings really were, and creates a vivid picture of how they lived more than 1,000 years ago.
The exhibition runs until 12 May 2013
Source: National Museum of Scotland [March 20, 2013]