Silk for the Vikings

by Marianne Vedeler

The analysis of silk is a fascinating topic for research in itself but here, focusing on the 9th and 10th centuries, Marianne Vedeler takes a closer look at the trade routes and the organization of production, trade and consumption of silk during the Viking Age. Beginning with a presentation of the silk finds in the Oseberg burial, the richest Viking burial find ever discovered, the other silk finds from high status graves in Scandinavia are discussed along with an introduction to the techniques used to produce raw silk and fabrics. Later chapters concentrate on trade and exchange, considering the role of silk items both as trade objects and precious gifts, and in the light of coin finds. The main trade routes of silk to Scandinavia along the Russian rivers, and comparable Russian finds are described and the production and regulation of silk in Persia, early Islamic production areas and the Byzantine Empire discussed. The final chapter considers silk as a social actor in various contexts in Viking societies compared to the Christian west.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Scandinavian Literature

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2014

Reviews

[Heather Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marianne Vedeler is rapidly joining my short list of “buy anything this person writes.” This is a relatively short and highly focused book covering all aspects of silk textiles found in Viking contexts. The opening chapters discuss a variety of textile finds from several sites, though the presentation does not appear to be exhaustive. The textiles are fragmentary -- in some cases due to preservation issues, but in others because these precious fabrics were cut into narrow strips to use as decoration. The number of illustrations is a bit disappointing -- only 12 color plates of textiles from Viking sites (though there are additional plates of similar textiles from regions that were on the likely trade routes). However these include several that I haven’t seen before, including some close-ups of embroideries. After a brief practical background on silk production and working, the remainder of the book covers the trade, economic, and social context of how these textiles came to the north.

It is likely that most people will find the $40 price tag a bit much for something this specialized (and, to be honest, this brief). The target audience is likely to include specialists in early medieval textile economics, textile archaeology, and Norse costume history.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very focused look at the silk fragments in the 9th and 10th century grave finds in Scandinavia, particularly the Osberg ship. One of its most valuable contributions for me is the analysis of the trade routes that brought the silk to Scandinavia. There are valuable insights - like the Varangian Guard - Scandinavian mercenaries recruited into the security service of the Byzantine Emperor in 10th century, the importance of Bulghar as a junction between Scandinavia and the East.

It connected with bits of knowledge I have from early English history and literature.

I wanted to inform a study of Viking embroidery. For this the book has been invaluable - even if it led me to conclude that Vikings were not Embroiderers!

[Costanza Miccichè · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come introduzione in lingua inglese alla seta e ai rapporti commerciali tra Scandinavia-Medio Oriente-Asia Centrale è perfetta. Il problema sono io che appena ci si mette a parlare degli schemi dei tessuti e delle tecniche di tessitura perdo completamente il filo (gioco di parole non voluto). Comunque è un testo importantissimo.

[Current World Archaeology]

Many people will know of the Oseberg ship-burial in Norway: it is one of the richest and best preserved burials of the Viking Age. What they might not know is the extent to which the preserved silk from that grave adds to our understanding of Scandinavian life in the 9th century AD. Here, Vedeler explores status, gender, and craftsmanship through the beautiful silks found in elite Viking burials. Also examined are the trade networks of silk through Russia, and its production in the Byzantine Empire. And, by studying the skills and techniques used to transform the raw material into a thing of beauty and transport it around the world, Vedeler reveals silk as an important actor in the social scene of Scandinavian life.

http://www.world-archaeology.com/book...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very technical. There were a few times when a particular fabric was described where I felt a picture to go with it would have helped. Also there were diagrams of the different embroidery stitches but not of the complex weaving techniques which would have been more helpful.