Art made by Scandinavians during the Viking Age (c. 790-1100 CE) mostly encompassed the decoration of functional objects made of wood, metal, stone, textile and other materials with relief carvings, engravings of animal shapes and abstract patterns .
How did the Vikings affect the art world?
Viking art is emblematic of the surprisingly ornate material culture of the Northerners. Vikings loved elaborate decorations and they decorated many of the things they used: weapons, jewelry, runestones, ship woodwork and even their common, everyday items.
Did Vikings value artistic expression?
Like most cultures the Vikings used textiles as both clothing and for artistic expression.
Did the Vikings create art?
During the Viking age, Norse people apparently did not create art for art's sake . There are few examples of decorated objects having no purpose other than to display their ornamentation. Instead, Norse art is characterized by extraordinary ornamentation of everyday objects.
What are the six styles of Viking art?
- the Oseberg style.
- the Borre style.
- the Jellinge style.
- the Mammen style.
- the Ringerike style.
- the Urnes style.
Did Vikings have tattoos?
It is widely considered fact that the Vikings and Northmen in general, were heavily tattooed . However, historically, there is only one piece of evidence that mentions them actually being covered in ink.
What are Viking patterns called?
The Urnes Style is named after the northern gate of the Urnes stave church in Norway, but most objects in the style are runestones in Uppland, Sweden, which is why some scholars prefer to call it the Runestone style. The style is characterized by slim and stylised animals that are interwoven into tight patterns.
What religion were the Vikings?
“ Asatro ” is the worship of the Norse gods. The religion does not only involve the gods, but also the worship of giants and ancestors. Asatro is a relatively modern term, which became popular in the 19th century. The Vikings did not have a name for their religion when they encountered Christianity.
Who is the most famous Viking in history?
- Erik the Red. Erik the Red, also known as Erik the Great, is a figure who embodies the Vikings' bloodthirsty reputation more completely than most. ...
- Leif Erikson. ...
- Freydís Eiríksdóttir. ...
- Ragnar Lothbrok. ...
- Bjorn Ironside. ...
- Gunnar Hamundarson. ...
- Ivar the Boneless. ...
- Eric Bloodaxe.
How did Vikings make art?
The techniques that were used in Viking Age art were mainly those of relief carving or engraving and the use of contrasting materials and colours , with filigree and granulation being popular. A piece of jewellery, for instance, could be made of gilded bronze but decorated with silver.
What kind of weapons did Vikings use?
In the Viking Age a number of different types of weapons were used: swords, axes, bows and arrows, lances and spears . The Vikings also used various aids to protect themselves in combat: shields, helmets and chain mail. The weapons that Vikings possessed depended on their economic capacity.
What did Vikings carve?
Runes are heavily associated with Vikings. Not only did they leave thousands of runestones behind them that still dot the Scandinavian landscape, but they also carved runes during their expeditions, forever marking Greek statues and walls in magnificent temples.
What colors did Vikings use?
The colours that archaeologists know were used in Viking Age clothes are yellow, red, purple and blue . Blue has only been found in the burials of wealthy individuals, as it was apparently a precious colour. The blue colour came from either the local plant woad or the dye indigo, which was purchased abroad.
Why were Viking ships so good?
Viking boats were designed to be dragged across long portages as well as to withstand fierce ocean storms . Such ships gave the Vikings the ability to trade, make war, carry animals, and cross open oceans and at the same time provided sufficient protection and security for the crew. (Fitzhugh, 15).
What does the Viking symbol mean?
The Swastika or sunwheel, a symbol of luck, holiness, power, prosperity, and the sky. ... The Valknut, a symbol associated with death, the transition from life to death, and Odin. . The Helm of Awe, a symbol of protection and might, but in a darker and more individualistic sense than Thor's Hammer.
