Viking Silver Dress Pin
An Impressive Dress Pin Reveals Life and Connections in the Viking Age
Beneath the ground in Odense’s Sankt Jørgens Park, a laborer discovered a remarkable Viking-era dress pin, measuring 31 cm, that continues to fascinate history enthusiasts and experts alike.
A Unique Discovery in the Heart of Odense
It’s not every day you stumble upon authentic Viking silver in a city park. But that’s exactly what happened in 1857, when workers at the former Skt. Jørgens Brickworks unearthed a richly decorated silver dress pin over 31 cm long. The discovery marks an important point along the Viking route through Odense – where history quite literally was buried in the ground.
The dress pin is a striking example of Viking craftsmanship, adorned with animal figures and fine details in gilding and niello – a black inlay that accentuates the patterns. Weighing over 350 grams, it clearly held great value. Perhaps it belonged to a chieftain – maybe a Norwegian Viking with ties to Funen.
What Was the Dress Pin Doing in Odense?
Only one complete dress pin of this type has ever been found in Denmark, though it bears clear similarities to finds in Norway and the British Isles. This has led archaeologists to wonder: Was the pin a gift from a Nordic ally? A remnant of a discontinued trade route? Or perhaps a symbol of power and status, buried as a hidden treasure or a religious offering?
A possible clue lies nearby – at Ejby Mill, just a few hundred metres from where the dress pin was found, where archaeological evidence suggests a bustling Viking settlement with connections to Norway. Perhaps this is where the owner of the pin lived and traded?
A Hidden Treasure on the Viking Trail
Today, Skt. Jørgens Park is a peaceful green space, but beneath its surface lies the story of a remarkable Viking treasure. Street names like Vikingevej and Jomsborgvej – albeit coincidentally – remind us of the area’s deep historical roots. This is a perfect stop for anyone following the Viking route through Odense and interested in archaeology and the world of the Vikings.