Key Síf, viking/High Middle Ages, Norway, Kiev Rus - brass

Replica of a Viking key from a woman's grave, 10th-12th century, found in Hedmark, Norway. The same or very similar ones have been found throughout Scandinavia, England, Holland, Kievan Rus and the Baltic.

Viking woman. The wind in her flowing hair, the rugged expression, sword in hand, the turtle brooches... this is often the romantic image of a woman from the North.

But what really belongs to a respectable married woman who adorns herself with unprecedented jewels and wields unusual power and rights for her time?

A key! A key that often doesn't unlock any lock, but is rather a symbol of social status.

A bunch of keys as an attribute of a married woman who has to shoulder the running of the household when her husband has gone on his travels...

Everything from regular daily routines, preparations for winter, slave management, clothing production, farm independence, childbearing and rituals. Women were aware of their own worth and if you know of such, you have just discovered the perfect gift for her!

Size: 2 x 9,5 cm
Weight: 23 g