Bronze Ring
This is a bronze ring that contains a rhombic cross-section as well as corroded iron on some of the surface of the ring. The bronze ring has a slight tint, and has a diameter of approximately 2.5 centimeters. The rhombic cross section of the ring seems quite consistent with the circular shape of the ring itself. This item was most likely crafted between 775-1049. It is also likely that this item, would have been buried with someone as a grave good, or it could have been misplaced.
Such a ring would be used as a symbol of status or wealth. Interestingly enough, “the most valued metal in Finland during the Viking Age was bronze, not silver as in Scandinavia.”[1] Therefore, the connotations tied to a ring like this would have varied across regions. Finding jewelry, specifically a bronze ring in modern day Denmark raises questions regarding the source of the item. It makes us realize the reach of the Norse, as well as the sharing and transportation of different metallurgy techniques across time. It also makes historians consider the very possible influence of Finnish metallurgy techniques and designs on Norse culture. This overlap of cultures leads historians to ponder any other possible shared traditions between cultures between Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
