The decorated spearheads demonstrate the Viking’s creative mix of art and war, whereby weapons often carried intricate patterns, created using the “Niello” process. This involved using an alloy of several metals (notably silver) mixed with sulfur which was rubbed into an incised pattern and then fired. Where the alloy is rubbed into the engraving, it remains black while the rest of the surface is polished to a bright finish. Our decorating process uses a little less alchemy, but still provides a lustrous, permanent Niello-like effect. Each spearhead has a shaft diameter of 1”. Spearheads only are supplied.
The Viking Short Bladed Spear is typical of those of Celtic origin, imported into Scandinavia. The short blade, inherently stiffer and more resistant to bending or breaking, was capable of piercing any body armour of the period. |
