Havor Hoard

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Havor Ring Replica

Havor Hoard is a significant archaeological find discovered near Havor on the island of Gotland, Sweden. The hoard dates back to the Viking Age, a period that spans from the late 8th century to the early 11th century. It is notable for its collection of silver objects, including coins, jewelry, and other artifacts that provide valuable insights into the trade, craftsmanship, and cultural exchanges during the Viking Age.

Discovery

The Havor Hoard was unearthed in the late 19th century, during an excavation on a farm in the vicinity of Havor. The discovery was made accidentally by a farmer who was plowing his field. Realizing the significance of the find, local authorities were alerted, and further archaeological investigations were conducted at the site.

Contents

The hoard comprises a variety of items, most of which are made of silver. Among the most notable objects are:

• Silver Coins: The hoard contains a significant number of silver coins, including both local Scandinavian issues and foreign coins. These coins are crucial for understanding the extent of Viking trade networks and their economic interactions with other regions of Europe and beyond.
• Jewelry: Various pieces of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and brooches, were found within the hoard. These items showcase the intricate craftsmanship and artistic skills of the Viking Age artisans.
• Other Artifacts: In addition to coins and jewelry, the hoard also includes silver ingots and fragments of silver objects, indicating the importance of silver as a medium of exchange and a store of value in Viking Age society.

Significance

The Havor Hoard is of great importance for several reasons:

• Economic Insights: The presence of foreign coins alongside local issues highlights the extensive trade networks that the Vikings were a part of. This underscores the Vikings' role as not just raiders but also traders and explorers.
• Artistic and Cultural Insights: The craftsmanship of the jewelry and other artifacts provides insights into the artistic achievements and cultural practices of the Viking Age.
• Archaeological Insights: The hoard contributes to our understanding of hoarding practices in the Viking Age, which may have been related to notions of wealth, status, or possibly religious beliefs and practices.

Preservation and Display

The artifacts from the Havor Hoard are preserved and displayed at the Gotland Museum in Visby, where they continue to attract interest from scholars and the general public alike. The museum provides a context for understanding the significance of the hoard within the broader narrative of Viking Age history and culture.

See Also

• Viking Age
• Gotland
• Silver economy in the Viking Age
• Archaeology of Sweden