Viking Bronze Pricker from Birka

Description

During the Viking Age, it was common to carry one or more hygiene pendants attached to a chain or leather strap. The chains were attached to clothing with a brooch and the pendants hung approximately at belt level, so they were always at hand for use whenever needed. In addition to an ear spoon, nail cleaner, tweezers and pricker also a key, needle box or a small knife could be attached in this way to carry with you everyday.

An awl or pricker was useful for all kinds of tasks around the house, farm and wool processing. Awls  have therefore been found in many different forms everywhere in the settlement areas of the Vikings. This specific pricker is a replica of an awl found from Birka, Sweden and it dates back to 10th century.

As early as the Bronze Age, small prickers or awls were used for personal hygiene alongside the ear spoon and fine bronze tweezers. For Egyptians and Romans, these were even a part of the medical instruments, and they were also widely used by Germanic and Viking peoples as indispensable components of hygiene and beauty care.

• Viking Age pricker that was commonly hung from a chain or strap
• Replica of an awl/pricker found from Birka, Sweden
• Made of bronze
• Size: 7.5 x 1.3 cm
• A fitting accessory for Viking reenactment and LARP