Can anyone tell me what techniques were used in the Dark Ages to decorate leather? Perhaps show some examples? I'd like to do some work on that line, particularly a sheath for my seax knife but also for pouches and the like 
Interested in Viking/Anglo Saxon leather decorating
- Thread starter Indoorsout
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wayland is the guru on this to such an extent he is living working viking and he is a memeber on this forum and i am sure he will be along soon
Only the Nikon looks out of place but I'm sure he has a suitably Viking-like pouch for that too!
Cheers
Cheers
Archaeological finds from the period include simple embossing and surface cutting techniques.
A lot of re-enactors use leather carving techniques similar to modern methods but I don't know of any real evidence for this in Viking / Saxon finds.
There is a good knife sheath that was found at Coppergate in York where conditions were really good for leather finds. There is also a similar find from Gloucester.
The most common form of decoration found at York is impression with a simple tool. Ring and dot punching is also known and some of the more elaborate sheaths show embossing work.
The best general source of information I have found is "Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York" by Quita Mould, Ian Carlisle and Ester Cameron.
A lot of re-enactors use leather carving techniques similar to modern methods but I don't know of any real evidence for this in Viking / Saxon finds.
There is a good knife sheath that was found at Coppergate in York where conditions were really good for leather finds. There is also a similar find from Gloucester.
The most common form of decoration found at York is impression with a simple tool. Ring and dot punching is also known and some of the more elaborate sheaths show embossing work.
The best general source of information I have found is "Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York" by Quita Mould, Ian Carlisle and Ester Cameron.
Thanks Wayland. I'll have to save up for that book though, it's over £40 on Amazon s/h and out of print now
Don't suppose you know of any online resources where I could see examples of work from that era - either reconstructed or original would do
Don't suppose you know of any online resources where I could see examples of work from that era - either reconstructed or original would do
You should be able to order a reference copy through your local library.
Where are you based, I don't know Higham?
Where are you based, I don't know Higham?
I'm in Northampton now, forgot to update the profile when I split with my ex. I'll ask at the library, see what they say
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