The sword of the 1,000-year-old Viking weaver is a true archaeological treasure. The wood sword measures just over 30 cm in length. It was never meant for battle.

Scientists can now better understand the presence of the Vikings in the area because to new information revealed by the Viking sword, which was discovered during an archaeological dig at the Beamish & Crawford site in Cork, Ireland. At the time of its discovery, the relic was still in good shape and experts claim it is one of numerous ancient objects of “outstanding significance” discovered during recent digs at the historic site.

Credit: BAM Ireland

How the Viking sword and other wooden artifacts lived underground in such exquisite condition is something of a marvel. It was probably preserved since the home where it was discovered may have burned down. The material was better preserved when the roof fell.

The little Weaver’s Sword was investigated by experts, who determined that it was made during the Late Viking or Hiberno-Norse period. By that time, the Vikings would have converted to Christianity, and their days of coast-to-coast raiding would have long since passed.

“The sword was actually used as part of a weaving loom, and most likely by a woᴍᴀɴ,” Daniel Breen, Curator of Cork Public Museum, where the object is now part of the collection told the Irish Examiner. “The Viking loom was a vertical contraption, with the same design that continued right through medieval times and up to the modern era. The sword would have been used to hammer in the threads.”

Several Viking relics were discovered at the location, including The Weaver’s sword. The pummel from a saddle, which would be quite uncommon, and approximately twelve other little objects were also discovered, according to Breen. The sword, which dates back 1,000 years, is without a doubt the most priceless historical treasure discovered at the location. The beautiful wooden sword is made of oak, and has two carved heads on the handle. Along the entire length of the blade, there is an interlacing design.

As reported by Irish Examiner, “the earliest Viking raid on the settlement that is now Cork city was recorded in 820. “The Vikings raided the monastery associated with St Fin Barre, where the cathedral is today. The monastery would have been very wealthy, and an easy target. But within a century, the Vikings were settling in Cork, at least for the winter months, and trading goods with the Gaelic Irish. And a few hundred years later they would have been well-established in the area.”

What Vikings ate and how they built their homes have been revealed by archaeological excavation near the heart of Cork. Because there are few historical documents that discuss the Vikings’ daily lives in Cork, archaeology can fill in the gaps and give a more complete picture of that time. Scientists have found that Vikings chose to build their residences lower down near what is now the city center, along North and South Main St., in contrast to the Gaelic Irish who liked to live on the high ground.

Credit: BAM Ireland

Dr. Maurice Hurley, who led the three-year dig at the Beamish & Crawford site emphasizes the Vikings were no barbarians. Vikings like to2 ascribe aesthetic and personal meaning to mundane objects. They would go to a lot of trouble to decorate their hair combs, for instance,” Hurley says.

It is not the first time scientists have discovered that Vikings occasionally carried useless decorative swords that could not be used as real weapons.

According to scientists, these Viking swords were practically never used since they were never intended for fighting. Instead, they were adorned in exquisite ornamentation that became emblems of power and rank. Swords’ function in Viking civilization altered throughout time, and these once-powerful “weapons” now serve only as ornamental costume decorations.

So, yes, one can say that Vikings were vain, and showing your importance in the society was common. Vikings also used strong colors as a symbol of status and wealth.

Hurley believes the Weaver sword is special. According to him, “the designs on the sword are evidence of what he calls “a cultural fusion” between the Vikings and the native Irish. “Stylistically, you wouldn’t find something like this in Norway, or in any part of Ireland that had not been settled by the Norse.”

He was particularly taken by the carved heads on its handle, one of which has survived better than the other. “There’s a high level of craftsmanship. The face is quite distinctive, with a very stoical expression.”

“Hurley is currently working on a book on his finds at the Beamish & Crawford site, which he hopes will be published in 2023.

The Weaver’s Sword is currently on prominent exhibit in the Cork Public Museum’s foyer, where it has proven to be incredibly popular with visitors, especially since the institution reopened in June. The Irish Examiner notes that although it was closed owing to ᴄᴏᴠɪᴅ-19 restrictions in 2020/21, museum personnel updated its website and the sword garnered a lot of interest from around the world.

Src: kenhthoisu.net