Finding gold jewelry 13 centuries ago

A few Viking pieces of gold jewelry have just been discovered at a Danish farm aged 1,300 years.

At the farm in the island of Zealand, Denmark, archaeologists and volunteers used metal detectors to search for jewelry and find Viking-containing objects. According to scientists, sophisticated jewelry partly demonstrates that Vikings have artistic talents in the handicraft industry.

Among the things found was a 73mm long piece of animal-shaped jewelry with round ears and eyes."The piece of jewelry is made of copper alloy, it is said to be part of the necklace ," said archaeologist Ole Thirup Kastholm of the Roskilde Museum.

Jewelry with animal head shape.(Photo: Ole Kastholm / Roskilde Museum)

He added: 'Animal images have something unusual in Viking art, it represents the' Shaman 'action that is an intermediate act between reality and non-reality' . The scientist could not say for sure who wore it, but he thought the great possibility was that of a Viking era elite.

Another mysterious artifact found is a cross of Christianity. It seems to have been brought from Europe around 500 to 750. According to Kastholm, jewelry is round, gold-plated around a red cross.

"How the Christian artifacts to Viking farms are still a mystery. The hypothesis is that a Christian traveler takes it to Vestervang, or through exchanging goods, the item is used as a brooch. , and a "senior" woman brought it in her outfit , " Kastholm said.

These discoveries raise the question for scientists why precious jewels are present on a modest agricultural settlement?

Gold jewelry of Christianity (Photo: Kastholm / Roskilde Ole Museum)

The answer lies in a legendary place named Lejre, 10km south of Vestervang. Tom Christensen said: "Legend says that this is where the first Danish dynasties ruled."

'Archaeological research shows that Lejre seems to be a very rich place. In 1850, a treasure of gold, silver, precious stones, a string of beads, a necklace was found in the nearby hills, ' said Christensen. According to him, Lejre's presence close to Vestervang contributed to explaining the presence of newly found jewelry, and perhaps the place was given to King Lejre's subordinates.