This book has a load of general info as well as heaps of pics of extant jewellery, moulds and carvings. This one is winning so far. These are my favourite pieces.
p23, 45 Helgo - the predecessor of the township of Birka, from 3rdC AD, a few miles away. Birka had 700-1000 people
p48 Trade routes to Birka closed in the last quarter of the 10th C.
p108 Extant shawl brooch and horse ornaments from Birka
p141-143 Moulds from antler, stone and clay. Some used for casting while others were used as dies to impress images upon gold and silver foil.
p145 There was a small hammer made from elk antler, also found in Birka, for jewellery work
p179 In Trendgaarden, Denmark, someone made a mould with both Thor's hammers and Christian crosses in it. The 9th and 10th centuries were a time for mixed religion in Scandanavia and a smith saw his chance to target both markets. There was textual evidence for cohabitation of heathen and Christian people in Hedeby and Birka. Maybe there will be evidence of the smiths in Birka catering for both religions, like the one in Trendsgaarden.
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