Sweden released stamps on 15th March 2015 dedicated to the Era of the Vikings. The era of the Vikings never ceases to amaze. Objects from this dynamic period in Sweden’s history are also very much in demand as stamp motifs. This time the stamps feature the entire period during which the Vikings were active, namely the Late Iron Age, which roughly refers to 550-1050 AD.
The objects depicted on the stamps are made from different types of precious metals and come from five locations throughout the country. The motifs are from top to bottom:
Jewelry in the shape of a woman made out of silver with traces of gilding. The jewelry dates back to the 9th century and was found in a grave close to Vadstena, Östergötland.
From an international perspective, the most famous find from Helgö in Lake Mälaren is without question the small, bronze Buddha, which was most likely made in the 6th century in northwestern India.
The three small naked figurines in gold and bronze plating were most likely made close to where they were found outside of Strängnäs, Södermanland.
In 1899 archeologists excavated a richly decorated grave on the island of Gotland where a warrior was buried with his horse. What makes this grave so special, however, is the excellent condition of the bridle that was found there.
At the large Uppåkra site outside of Lund in Skåne, archeologists found in 2011 a gilded piece depicting a flying man. The flying man could be the god, Odin.
