Thousands of glass beads dating back to the 8th-10th centuries were found in the Viking city of Ribe (Denmark), one of the oldest cities in the world. These small ornaments played an important role in Viking society - they were part of necklaces, clothing ornaments and trade goods. Archaeological finds show that glass beads were not only locally produced, but also the result of extensive Viking trade contacts. Glass and finished beads came to northern Europe from, for example, the Middle East, Byzantium and the Frankish lands.
Artisans in Ribe were able to re-melt and shape the glass into colourful beads of different colours and patterns - blue, green and multicoloured. The beads were a symbol of wealth and were sometimes used as a form of barter in trade. The importance of glass beads is confirmed by their frequent appearance in Viking women's graves, where they complemented metal clasps and other jewellery. The finds from Ribe thus demonstrate not only the skill of Viking craftsmen, but also the connection of northern Europe with the long-distance trade networks of the early Middle Ages.
- Material: glass
- Size: 8 x 15 mm (handmade, shape and size vary slightly)
- Hole diameter 2mm
- Use: Vikings
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