A customer from Sweden, a great connoisseur and convinced lover of Norse mythology, commissioned me Towards the end of the year, he began reworking two Swedish bracteates (coins or medals with one side struck from the Migration Period), some of which he had originally acquired in a Swedish museum shop and which to a considerable extent represent his current convictions and religious views.
As products of modern museum marketing, both bracteates made of 925/- silver were indeed serious replicas of this early North Germanic culture in terms of content, but were immediately recognizable as modern and – sorry – somewhat too smooth and therefore soulless copies produced without any patina.
My task was therefore to "breathe" a little more of the magic of the antique originals into both objects through various subsequent patinations.
After intensive consultation with my passionate admirer of Freya, Odin and Tor or Thor (all Norse deities), it was decided on the great Bracteate The existing, but much too large, eyelet was unsoldered and reattached with a smaller diameter. On the reverse side, a wire—wound over a string—was soldered into the hollow pressed edge. A modern silver hallmark on the front was covered with a pyramid of silver beads. Finally, the entire object—quite contrary to my goldsmithing ethics and my pursuit of precision 😉—was relentlessly battered with all sorts of tools, as if the bracteate already had many hundreds of years of history under its belt. As a kind of belated apology, both bracteates were then copper-plated and finished with a thick layer of pure gold.
The result clearly convinced my Swedish client as well:
“… Glad I did bump in to you, Stefani. You give this bracteate a soul … and understand me in my spiritual thinking …” (translated roughly: “I am glad to have met you, Stefani. You give this bracteate a soul and understand me in my spiritual thinking …”
“… I am happy as a child at yule tid …” (translated roughly: “I am as happy as a child at Christmas time”)
“… Hell Freya Hell Odin Hell Tor …” … for those intimately familiar with Norse mythology 😉
Significant bracteate finds in Scandinavia, with a focus on Sweden
The bracteates of Scandinavia are among the most fascinating artifacts of Germanic art and cultural history during the Migration Period. These thin, mostly one-sided gold medallions, created between the 5th and early 7th centuries, uniquely combine political symbolism, religious ideas, technical skill, and far-reaching trade networks. Of all the regions that produced bracteates, Scandinavia—and Sweden in particular—plays a central role. The abundance, quality, and diversity of the pieces found there allow us to better understand the intellectual world, social structures, and cultural connections of the societies of that time.
Bracteates as a cultural form of expression
Before turning to the specific finds in Sweden, it is worth considering the significance of the bracteates themselves. They were not currency in the usual sense, but primarily functioned as amulets, status symbols, and emblems of power. Their design was highly symbolic: frequently, a sculpted central figure—often interpreted as the god Odin—appears flanked by animals, runic inscriptions, or stylized ornaments. The thin gold sheets were usually worn on a loop and signified both religious affiliation and social status. The rich iconography can partly be traced back to Roman coins, demonstrating that the Germanic elites were strongly influenced by contacts with the empire, but creatively transformed the motifs and integrated them into their own mythology.
Sweden as a center of important bracteate finds
Sweden occupies a special position among the Nordic countries when it comes to gold bracteates. While Denmark has a slightly larger number of specimens, some of the most significant and iconographically complex pieces originate from Swedish soil. The regions of Gotland, Öland, Uppland, and Småland, in particular, are rich in finds and exhibit distinct regional variations.
1. The treasure trove of Öland
Öland, the long, narrow island off the east coast of Sweden, is one of the most important sites for gold treasures from the Migration Period. During this time, the island was a flourishing center, and its inhabitants apparently possessed considerable wealth. One of the most famous finds is the Åker Hoard, which, in addition to gold bars and Roman coins, also contained several bracteates. Particularly noteworthy is a Type C bracteate, which depicts a central anthropomorphic figure hovering or standing above a horse, flanked by runes. The combination of a human form and equine symbolism is often associated with the worship of gods—especially Odin.
Another significant find was discovered at Sandby borg, a ring-shaped fortification that appears to have been abruptly abandoned during the Migration Period. Several bracteates were unearthed there, possibly part of amulet sets. These finds attest not only to the artistic skill of the goldsmiths but also to the existence of local elites distinguished by such gold jewelry.
2. Gotland – a hotbed of continental and local influences
Gotland is widely known for its rich Viking Age archaeology, but even during the Migration Period, the island was a hub for trade and cultural exchange. The numerous bracteate finds on Gotland demonstrate that the local communities were deeply integrated into supra-regional networks. One of the most famous pieces is a bracteate from Havor, which exhibits exceptionally high craftsmanship. Its delicate design, fine goldwork, and careful choice of motifs suggest specialized workshops and possibly a hierarchical society in which jewelry of this kind played a role in legitimizing political and religious power.
Some Gotlandic bracteates bear runic inscriptions that may contain both names and cultic formulas. These are important pieces of evidence for early runic writing and allow inferences about religious practices. The inscriptions are often short and difficult to interpret, but they provide clues to ritual uses, such as protective amulets.
3. Uppland – bracteates as ritual objects
The Uppland region in central Sweden is known worldwide primarily for its runestones, but significant bracteates have also been found there. The Valsgärde site, famous for its boat burial grounds, in particular, yielded several gold bracteates. Although most bracteates in Sweden do not originate from graves, the few grave finds indicate that the pieces were indeed used in a funerary context. This underscores their possible function as protective or status symbols intended to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
A remarkable feature of some Uppland bracteates is their strong reliance on Roman models. The impressed heads clearly recall Roman imperial portraits, but were deliberately reworked and mythologically reinterpreted within the Germanic tradition. This mixture of appropriation and reinvention demonstrates that the Scandinavian elites were indeed very familiar with the visual language of the great powers and transformed it for their own purposes.
4. Småland – an example of regional diversity
Significant bracteate finds have also been made in Småland, southern Sweden. While the region is less rich in gold treasures than Gotland or Öland, individual finds demonstrate that a vibrant elite culture existed there as well. A particularly well-preserved bracteate from Södra Ljunga displays masterful craftsmanship and bears a lengthy runic inscription that remains a subject of debate. This find illustrates that distinct regional differences existed within Sweden regarding styles and contexts of use.
The cultural significance of Swedish bracteates
The bracteates of Scandinavia – and especially the Swedish examples – are far more than decorative jewelry. They represent a link between mythology, political power, and social identity. Many researchers assume that the bracteates served as magical amulets intended to offer protection or strengthen the divine legitimacy of rulers. The frequent depiction of a central figure, often interpreted as Odin in his role as bringer of knowledge or healer, points to a strong mythological significance.
Furthermore, bracteates offer insights into the network of Scandinavian communities during the Migration Period. The exchange of gold, motifs, and technical skills demonstrates that Sweden was not isolated but actively participated in integrative systems of trade, diplomacy, and culture. Swedish bracteates are among the most important pieces of evidence for this connection between local culture and supra-regional influences.
Conclusion
The significant bracteate finds of Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, offer a fascinating glimpse into the culture of early Germanic societies. From the rich hoards of Öland to the runic bracteates of Gotland and the Roman-influenced examples of Uppland, they reveal a remarkable diversity of symbolism and craftsmanship. They are expressions of power, belief, and identity in a time of upheaval, representing a unique cultural heritage that continues to captivate researchers and laypeople alike.