Androshchuk F. Viking swords

This book contains descriptions, dating and study of the social aspects of swords in Viking Age society. The diversity of Viking Age swords is shown without reference to notions of evolution. In contrast with earlier models in which types of swords were presented as stages in a chain of development, 'types' are considered as variations in technological and cultural traditions and innovations. The concept of 'type' encompasses how the parts of a hilt were manufactured and decorated and how they were assembled into a whole piece. It is suggested that the way in which a hilt was made could be traditional or non-traditional. In particular, interregional infl uences are refl ected in the decoration of hilts and the different types of baldrics/sword belts and scabbard chapes. The decoration of Scandinavian swords represents the development of traditional motifs as well as innovations introduced through cultural interactions with the Frankish and German Empires, the British Isles and Byzantium. The animal ornamentations of the swords follow the same patterns as those found on other Scandinavian ornamented objects, and are related to all known styles. The association of these styles with certain types of swords provides the possibility of correcting the traditional chronology of the styles. All composite elements of a sword are treated as representing a chain of events that could have technical and or ideological explanations. Such events could be refl ected in the processes of manufacturing the blade, guards, pommel and decoration, the assemblage of the pieces and the repair of a sword. The book comprises a catalogue of 832 Scandinavian swords, including details or fragments of swords. The fi nds are ordered according to provinces and parishes. Each catalogue entry is presented with a code for the province and a number for the sword.