Research on Viking Age hair combs has revealed new information about trade routes between Scandinavia and continental Europe.
Biomolecular studies have played an important role in confirming the existence of ancient trade routes, including careful analysis of deer combs excavated around Hedeby. Phys.org writes that historically Hedeby played a central role in the processing of deer antler in the Viking Age.
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To carry out this research, a consortium of archaeologists from the University of York, Stockholm and the University of Barcelona, in collaboration with the Center for Baltic and Scandinavian Archeology (ZBSA) and the Center for Archeology. Leibniz (LEIZA) began studying the composition of collagen in scallops. The purpose of this analysis was to identify the deer species whose antlers were used to make combs.
The majority (85-90%) of honeycombs are made from reindeer antlers. This discovery is important because reindeer herds are only found in the northern parts of Scandinavia. Therefore, the presence of horn combs at Hedeby suggests either that the combs were imported or the horn from which they were made.
A previous study in the same region that closely examined waste associated with the production of antler artifacts found a prevalence of reindeer antler of only 0.5%. Moreover, no concrete evidence of production was found at this early stage.
These discrepancies indicate that scallops were most likely made elsewhere than Hedeby. Such a discovery highlights the existence of extensive, persistent and long-distance maritime interactions between Hedeby and the northern regions since AD 800.
Researcher Dr. from the Department of Archeology at the University of York. Stephen Ashby said of the significance of the discovery: “We have begun the process of clarifying many questions about the timing of travel and trade in Viking Age Britain and Scandinavia.”
He also noted the importance of understanding the connection between the mountainous and polar regions of Scandinavia and the vibrant city that serves as the gateway to mainland Europe. This new information points to a turning point in the 9th century, when connections to the north appeared extremely strong.
Going forward, the team plans to use biomolecular analysis to study movement and interaction across the Viking world, stretching from Greenland to the Baltic region.
Previously Focus he wrote about another excavation. Scientists have discovered a Neolithic monument on the Isle of Arran.
We also talked about the 11th-century tower found during excavations of a German castle.
Source: Focus
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