Into The Melting Pot

Beskrivelse

Into the Melting Pot is the fourth volume exploring the workshop waste and the skilled craftspeople of the Viking town Kaupang. It sheds light on their activities, products, raw materials, and extensive networks, focusing on non-ferrous metalworking artefacts.

An in-depth look at the metalworking crafts and social dynamics of Viking Kaupang.

This volume delves into the tools and waste materials related to non-ferrous metalworking, such as crucibles, moulds, matrix dies, tuyères, and a rare collection of lead models. These finds offer fresh insights into the artisans who worked with gold, silver, copper alloys, lead, and tin.

The metalworkers were highly skilled, knowledgeable, and versatile, producing a variety of items for both women and men. Their craft was likely seen as a defining characteristic of the Viking town by both locals and visitors alike.

Combining data from excavations and surface surveys, the book presents a rich and varied assemblage of materials comparable to discoveries from other Viking towns like Ribe, Birka, and Hedeby.

The evidence confirms Kaupang’s role as a key center for jewelry production, with artisans having access to quality raw materials including brass and kaolin clay. Their work spans from the early 9th century through to the early 10th century.

Overall, the production waste from Kaupang reveals how multiple social groups took part in shaping the town’s urban identity during the Viking period.