Neck ring with gold spirals, Scandinavia, around 1300–900 BC

This neck ring was found in an ancient bay and can be dated to the period 1300–900 BC, during what is known as the Bronze Age. One end can be removed, and the gold spirals were added when the neck ring was to be sacrificed in the water. In the Bronze Age, gold was only found in elite environments.

The entire Bronze Age in the Nordic countries was based on a trade network where copper, tin and gold were imported from the continent and England. During this period, tonnes of metal were transported through Europe and across the seas. Such extensive exchange appears to have been facilitated by the development of weight systems. Gold spirals and bronze neck rings were all of standardised weights.

Image rights: Jens Mohr, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 1087417_HST

<   2 of 3  >