Armlet, type 3, Gotland, 11th century

The weight economy played a key role in society during the Viking Age. Coins were made of silver in those days, and their value was determined by how much they weighed. But other objects made of silver could be used to make payments, too. This armlet is one example. Not only was it a beautiful piece of jewellery, but it could also be used for trading.

It was important for the silver to be of high quality, and this was often tested by cutting the silver, or making tiny nicks and pecks in it!

Scales and weights are often found at Viking-Age trading centres – these were used to weigh the right amount of silver.

Image rights: Jens Mohr, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 112886_HST

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