Viking Age or Medieval Bronze Clothing Clasps

Viking Age or Medieval Period, 793-1400 AD, Europe

A remarkable set of authentic Viking Age or Medieval bronze clothing clasps, beautifully crafted and rich with history. Dating between 793 and 1400 AD, these clasps were essential accessories, serving both practical and decorative purposes in Viking and medieval wardrobes.

During the Viking Age, warriors, traders, and settlers roamed across Europe and even reached North America, leaving behind artifacts like these that reflect their craftsmanship and daily life. The medieval period, spanning roughly a thousand years, saw immense cultural shifts, warfare, and the rise of kingdoms that shaped modern Europe.

Vikings and medieval societies placed great importance on their clothing and adornments. Both men and women wore tunics, cloaks, and layered garments suited for harsh climates, often secured by intricately designed clasps, brooches, and pins. These bronze clasps not only fastened garments but also served as status symbols, showcasing wealth, rank, or allegiance.

Expertly cast and carefully preserved, these clothing clasps are a tangible link to the past—a perfect addition for collectors, historians, or anyone fascinated by Viking and medieval heritage. Own a piece of history and connect with the craftsmanship and traditions of an extraordinary era.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted green patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Size varies from 3,3cm to 2,5cm. Sell as a set.

Provenance: Dutch private collection.

References and further reading:

Clothing in the Viking Age, Hurstwic, William R. Shor, 1999-2023 (https://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/daily_living/text/clothing.htm)

Tracing Textile Production from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages: Tools, Textiles, Texts and Contexts, Ingvild Øye, Oxbow Books, 2022. (https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2mm1xqj.)

Textiles in a Viking Age hoard: Identifying ephemeral traces of textiles in metal corrosion products, Mary Davis & Susanna Harris, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 48, 2023. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103796.)

Viking and Early Middle Ages Northern Scandinavian Textiles Proven to be made with Hemp, G. Skoglund, M. Nockert & B. Holst, Sci Rep 3, 2686 (2013). (https://doi.org/10.1038/srep02686)