NORTHERN EUROPEAN ARTIFACTS BY PALATINA AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED Description Authentic Ancient European Beads A tenth century Arab once said that the Vikings would "go to any length to get hold of colored beads" (Wernick, 94). Certainly colored beads of glass, native amber, jet and bronze and many other types of beads were highly prized by the Scandinavians. Beads (along with pottery, nails and knives) are the single most common items found in pre-Christian Viking graves. However, since making beads by hand is extremely labor-intensive, beads were valuable and expensive. Beads were passed down to one's younger relatives, gathered up during raids, and eagerly purchased at the great market towns such as Haithabu (Hedeby). Beads made of jet, amber, and rock crystal have been interpreted at times as amulets by modern investigators. Here is a rare Viking bead of amber dating to the 10 - 11th. century A.D. The lengths/diameter measures 13 mms. Provenance is an old collection. I guarantee absolutely for the authenticity of every bead. Any questions:palatina@online.de Please view also my other auctions with relics from the European Prehistory.