Bracteates

Bracteates are a type of early medieval gold or silver amulet, typically round and thin, featuring a stamped design. They were most commonly produced in Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and Anglo-Saxon England, during the Migration Period and the Viking Age, roughly from the 5th to the 9th centuries AD. The term "bracteate" itself is derived from the Latin word for thin leaf, referring to their delicate construction.

These artifacts are often characterized by their single-sided relief decoration, which was created by striking a blank metal disc with a die. The designs vary widely, including zoomorphic motifs, mythological scenes, human figures, and runic inscriptions. Many bracteates were pierced with a loop for suspension, suggesting they were worn as jewelry, likely as necklaces or pendants. Their purpose is believed to have been amuletic, intended to offer protection or bring good fortune to the wearer. The imagery and inscriptions on bracteates can provide valuable insights into the beliefs, art, and social practices of the people who created and used them. They are an important source of information for archaeologists and historians studying this period.