Viking glass beads, Birka, red, 5 pieces

Product description

This glass bead is a replica of a bead found during excavations in Birka. The original dates back to the second half of the 7th century and is red with yellow spirals. Birka and Hovgården, located on the islands of Björkö and Adelsö in Lake Mälaren, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1993. Birka was an important Viking trading center from the 8th to the 10th century, where goods such as Arabic silver and pearls were exchanged. The city was Sweden's first true town and had a strong hierarchical structure. Despite attempts to spread Christianity, Birka remained a pagan city. In the 10th century, Birka was abandoned, possibly due to land elevation and the rise of Sigtuna. The remains of Birka and the royal estate at Adelsö are now on display at the Museum Birka Vikingastaden.

These glass beads are handmade using the same technique the Vikings used: melting glass on a metal rod to form beads. Perfect for reenactment, living history, and Viking archaeology enthusiasts, they let you create your own Viking necklace. Mix & match them with other beads and pendants from our collection to build a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Viking necklaces were made from various materials and served not only as decoration but also as a status symbol and spiritual object. They could contain unique elements and were closely linked to magic, rituals, and identity, as seen in stories about the Brísing necklace and saints such as Genevieve and Bathild. Archaeological findings show that necklaces could carry both pagan and Christian symbolism and were often associated with ritual specialists, such as the v?lur, who may have used them in seiðr magic. Research into necklace assemblages and graves with magical objects suggests that necklaces played an important role in spiritual and ritual practices within Viking culture.