Crafts and Social Networks in Viking TownsStephen P. Ashby, Søren Sindbaek Crafting Communities explores the interface between craft, communication networks, and urbanization in Viking-age Northern Europe. Viking-period towns were the hubs of cross-cultural communication of their age, and innovations in specialized crafts provide archaeologists with some of the best evidence for studying this communication. The integrated results presented in these papers have been made possible through the sustained collaboration of a group of experts with complementary insights into individual crafts. Results emerge from recent scholarly advances in the study of artifacts and production: first, the application of new analytical techniques in artifact studies (e.g. metallographic, isotopic, and biomolecular techniques) and second, the shifted in interpretative focus of medieval artifact studies from a concern with object function to considerations of processes of production, and of the social agency of technology. Furthermore, the introduction of social network theory and actor-network theory has redirected attention toward the process of communication, and highlighted the significance of material culture in the learning and transmission of cultural knowledge, including technology. The volume brings together leading UK and Scandinavian archaeological specialists to explore crafted products and workshop-assemblages from these towns, in order to clarify how such long-range communication worked in pre-modern Northern Europe. Contributors assess the implications for our understanding of early towns and the long-term societal change catalysed by them, including the initial steps towards commercial economies. Results are analyzed in relation to social network theory, social and economic history, and models of communication, setting an agenda for further research. Crafting Communities provides a landmark statement on our knowledge of Viking-Age craft and communication |
Contents
| 1 | |
some pragmatic notes on the study of craft production and craftspeople in early medieval northern Europe Johan Callmer | 31 |
I | 51 |
II | 125 |
III | 223 |
List of contributors | 284 |
Other editions - View all
Crafts and Social Networks in Viking Towns Steven P. Ashby,Søren M. Sindbæk No preview available - 2020 |
Common terms and phrases
10th century activities alloys Ambrosiani analysis Anglo-Saxon antler appear Archaeology artefacts Ashby Birka Britain brooches Callmer casting centres close combmaking combs communication connecting contexts Coppergate craft craft production craftspeople crucibles cultural decoration detail distribution Dublin early medieval East England evidence example Excavations exchange Figure finds follow groups Hedeby ideas identified important indicate individual industry innovation Ireland iron Kaupang late later lead London Mainman manufacture metal Middle moulds Museum networks non-ferrous metalworking North northern Europe objects ornament Ottaway Oxford particular pattern Pedersen perhaps period places plates possible pottery practice Press probably production range raw materials region remains represent Ribe Scandinavia seems seen Series settlement silver similar Sindbæk skills smiths social Society specialist Stockholm suggests techniques textiles towns trade Type University urban vessels Viking Age Viking-Age volume Walton Rogers ware waste workshops York