Viking Age Money Bracelet

Description

Arm rings are among the most common artifacts found in Viking Age graves and treasure hoards. They were used for multiple purposes, ranging from symbols of oaths to decorative purposes, displaying spoils after a successful raid and a handy way to carry your wealth on you.

Powerful chieftains gave arm rings to their followers to secure their allegiances. Giving such an expensive gift was seen as a demonstration of wealth and power, and the warrior who accepted the gift pledged his loyalty to the chieftain through doing so. It was also a well-established custom that after a successful raid, the chief distributed a part of the loot to his warriors as a show of appreciation of their efforts.

Arm rings might have also been gifted or exchanged during wedding ceremonies, like contemporary rings today. These forementioned customs have given arm rings their other name, “Oath Ring”.

Since money was not commonly used during the Viking Age, the value of one’s possessions and wares was estimated based on the material, weight and quality. Wearing valuable rings on your wrist was a convenient way to carry wealth, as these rings were often made of expensive metals such as bronze, silver or even gold.

This arm ring is based on several Viking Age finds. It is made of bronze and plated with genuine silver. During the Viking Age wrist rings like these were most likely used as a form of “money” during travels.

• Viking Age arm ring
• Arm rings were used as symbols of oath and as currency when trading
• Design based on several Viking Age finds
• Bronze ring plated with real silver
• The bracelet can be bent to fit wrist circumference from approx. 14 to 17 cm
• The diameter of the bracelet is about 6 cm
• A perfect jewelry piece for Viking reenactment and LARP as well as everyday life