Viking Leg Wrap Hooks “Birka Mask”

Description of the Product

Throughout history and multiple cultures, masks have served as symbols of the spiritual realm. The masks were typically dedicated to gods, deities, elves, or ancestral spirits. In some cultures, people believed that the spiritual entities could look to the mundane world through the eyes of the mask. While little is known about the masks in Viking Age art and everyday objects, their popularity and the sheer quantity of findings suggest that they indeed held significance to the people.

These leg wrap hooks are a replica of mask decorated hooks found in a Viking settlement in Birka, Sweden. They date to the 10th century. Similar hooks with mask decorations have also been discovered in regions today belonging to Russia, such as Ladoga (Staraya Ladoga), Novgorod, and Gnezdovo. Originals of these viking leg wrap hooks were found in the Birka burial 903. The originals were located in the knee area on the buried man and were used as a pair to attach leg wraps over his linen trousers.

Leg wraps, and hence leg wrap hooks, were worn by all genders alike in the Viking era and can be found in the areas where Rus (Vikings traveling via rivers to the east) travelled, as well as in England, Germany and all over Scandinavia.

The hooks have three small eyelets/holes at the edge, allowing the leg wrap hook to be easily hand sewn onto the top of your leg wrap. The hooks secure your leg wraps in place with its long needle/hook.

These leg wrap hooks are made of high quality bronze and plated with genuine silver, and they are sold as a pair.

• Leg wraps hooks in the shape of two masks
• Hooks are based on a Viking Age hook found in Birka, Sweden
• Made bronze and plated with genuine silver
• Size: 3 x 2 cm
• Suitable for securing leg wraps or other garment
• Simple attachment by three holes on the edge. Hand sew to secure these on your leg wraps
• Product includes two (2) hooks