Technological aspects of the Viking age gold treasure from Hiddensee, Germany

This paper deals with the study of ancient gold jewellery manufacture, in particular the techniques and tools used during the Viking age. It discusses the Hiddensee-style, named after the gold hoard found at the end of the 19th century on the shores of Hiddensee. This kind of jewellery is generally dated to the 10th and early 11th century AD, when Christianization of the north is beginning. It is characterized by a hollow body made of thin gold sheet with a typical relief decorated with filigree and granulation. The hoard also contains a twisted neck ring, made of several hammered rods and a clasp. Twisted neck and arm rings were in fashion in the Viking world and also with the Slavs, their eastern neighbours, and were worn during the entire Viking period, from about 800-1050 AD.