The Vikings showcased their strength, affluence, ingenuity, and expertise in a variety of manners. One of the ways they exhibited these qualities was through their clothing and adornments. The Viking Age witnessed an evolution in clothing and jewelry styles. Apparel was distinct based on gender, age, and social or economic status. Men typically donned tunics with trousers, while women commonly wore strap dresses over undergarments. The upper echelons of society adorned themselves with jewelry, fabrics, and furs imported from foreign lands, like the Byzantine Empire, acquired through extensive European trade. These opulent luxuries symbolized the power, wealth, and prominence of those who wore them. Most individuals wore locally sourced materials, such as wool and linen, with women crafting these garments. The remarkable craftsmanship of Viking culture was evident in various items, such as brooches, which were an integral part of their daily lives. The intricate details of these artifacts underscored the time and effort invested in their creation.
Viking women utilized brooches to secure their tunics, and these came in various styles, including animal head brooches, often worn in pairs to fasten tunic straps on either side of the collarbone. Another type was the brooch box, worn under the chin to fasten cloaks or shawls, often paired with matching brooches. These hollow boxes frequently featured a large round hole at the back, making them convenient for storing small items. Many brooches show signs of extensive use, suggesting they may have been handed down through generations and frequently employed. The box-type brooches are particularly abundant on Gotland, an island off the Swedish coast.
Situated in the Baltic Sea, about 50 miles east of mainland Sweden, Gotland was a significant island during the Viking Age. It boasted numerous small coastal settlements that evolved from villages into thriving cities. Merchant ships frequently stopped at Gotland, evidenced by excavations revealing foreign artifacts, coins, and treasures, all pointing to vibrant trade in the region. Gotland held immense importance for the Vikings of that era.
The rounded box-shaped brooch described here was unearthed on Gotland and is believed to date back to the early Viking period, specifically the 8th-9th centuries. Crafted from copper alloy, it has a diameter of approximately 5.2 cm and features intricate depictions of intertwined animals with elongated limbs. This brooch, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases images of various animals on its top and sides, including birds and cats with round eyes, open jaws, and clawed paws. The bodies, limbs, and paws of these creatures are intricately interwoven, exemplifying the traditional "grasping beast" style characteristic of the Viking Age.