A Viking weaver's sword dating from the 11th century was among several significant Viking artifacts unearthed in Cork City excavations in 2017.
A perfectly preserved wooden Viking sword was unearthed in Cork City among several significant finds that challenge the belief that the Nordic invaders were most strongly influential in the cities of Dublin and Waterford.
The sword, about a foot long, was discovered by archaeologists at the historic site of the former Beamish and Crawford brewery in "the Rebel City."
Believed to have been used by female weavers, the 1,000-year-old sword made of wood is heavily designed and has astounded those who found it in its pristine condition.
Crafted entirely from yew, the hilt of the Viking sword is carved with faces associated with the Ringerike style of Viking art, a style that dates to the 11th century.
Perfectly preserved Viking sword discovered in Cork city. https://t.co/eg3SN1u7TW pic.twitter.com/RwlbcWF6wO
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) September 26, 2017
The sword was unearthed during recent excavations at the South Main Street site and consultant archaeologist Dr. Maurice Hurley said it was one of the several Viking artifacts of "exceptional significance" to be discovered at the excavation.
Other finds included intact ground plans of 19 Viking houses, remnants of central hearths, and bedding material. These findings have convinced archeologists that the influence the Vikings had in Cork City has been underappreciated and that it may be comparable to that in Dublin and Waterford.
"For a long time there was a belief that the strongest Viking influence was in Dublin and Waterford, but the full spectrum of evidence shows that Cork was in the same cultural sphere and that its development was very similar," Hurley told RTÉ.
I've seen these items they are amazing @corkcitycouncil 1,000-year-old Viking sword discovered in Cork city https://t.co/JAwEd3m6MG via @rte
— Tony Fitzgerald (@Tfitzgeraldcork) September 26, 2017
"A couple of objects similar to the weaver’s sword have been found in Wood Quay [in Dublin], but nothing of the quality of craftsmanship and preservation of this one.
"The sword was used probably by women, to hammer threads into place on a loom; the pointed end is for picking up the threads for pattern-making. It’s highly decorated – the Vikings decorated every utilitarian object," he continued.
The Viking sword was discovered at the building site of a new, 6,000-seat event center in Cork, a project that was put on hold as archaeologists were called in to further explore the discoveries.
The findings became mainstream knowledge due to a visit to the Cork Public Museum by the then-Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, Else Berit Eikeland.
H/T: RTÉ News
* Originally published in 2017, updated in 2024.
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