Abstract

As a result of long distance interactions of Vikings with communities and places east and west from Scandinavia, large quantities of silver objects were found across Northern and Eastern Europe. Perm’/Glazov and Duesminde type silver neck- and arm-rings are an interesting group of objects that reflect cultural and economic entangled between South Scandinavian communities and Ugro-Finnic groups found in Russia. Besides their similarity, the relation between the rings is unclear, as well as their role in the development of the 9^th century supra-regional network of silver in Eurasia. Archaeometric analysis of rings can provide new insights and allow us to ask additional, high-definition questions. From where did the silver use to make the rings came from? What can chemical composition tell us about the relation between the rings? How are they linked with other different types of silver circulating in Scandinavia during the early Viking Age? In order to tackle these questions, a number of rings of both types were analysed for their lead isotope (MC-ICP-MS) and trace element composition (LA-ICP-MS). The lecture will present preliminary results and discussion of the study, which is a part of an ongoing PhD research project. 

The lecture is followed by an informal reception. All are welcome.