Keep Your Eyes Open for Bead Treasures! – Viking Style for Connoisseurs
Authentic, handmade, vibrant – these glass beads have been reconstructed based on original Viking finds and are perfect for reenactment, representation, and museum presentation. The combination of turquoise with orange "eyes" is typical of the craft standards of the Viking Age – and makes a statement with any garment or replica.
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Size: approx. 9 x 11 mm
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Hole diameter: approx. 1 mm
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Material: Colored glass
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Contents: 5 pieces
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Production: Handcrafted based on historical models
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Usage: For reenactment, jewelry making, museum presentations, historical markets
A Journey Through Color and Function
What appears striking to modern eyes was a sign of status, networking, and artistic understanding for the Vikings. Beads like these were worn along trade routes from Hedeby to Miklagard (Constantinople) – as a necklace, brooch, or sewn into textiles. The eye in the center was not only decorative but also a symbolic protection against evil.
The form corresponds to original finds from graves and settlements of the 9th to 11th centuries. Color and technique are inspired by beads from Hedeby and Birka.
What Can This Product Do for You as a Reenactor?
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Brings authenticity to life – ready to use as an accessory
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Ideal for costumes – Viking women, seafarers, or traders
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Immediately usable – no further processing needed
- Consistent complement to artifact evidence
- Connects history with aesthetics
Possible Questions – FAQs
Are these beads based on finds?
Yes! The design is based on original finds from Hedeby, Birka, and Gotland.
Can they be used directly?
Yes – with a hole diameter of about 1 mm, they are immediately usable.
Are they robust?
They are made of glass – durable with careful use.
Are there combo products?
Matching glass beads, brooches, and garment pins are available in the shop.
Inspiration for Their Use in Reenactment
- As costume embellishment in portrayals
- In workshops on historical crafts
- As an authentic detail in museum contexts
- For children's programs at markets
These beads build a bridge from the past to the present – and let the legacy of the Norsemen sparkle anew.
Questions from a Reenactor’s Perspective
How can I integrate the beads into my existing repertoire?
As a necklace, brooch pendant, or decoration – suitable for typical Viking Age fabrics.
Can I use them in a living history context?
Yes – they meet the standards of many museums and historical camps.
Are they suitable for both female and male performers?
Yes – beads were considered a sign of status and networking for both genders.
Historical Fun Fact:
In Hedeby, over 600 glass beads were found in a single woman's grave – many of them with eye motifs. They were likely inherited or exchanged over generations.
Forum Traiani ® | Because History Enthralls!
