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Trade and crafts

Besides the ceremonial rites there were also a number of other activities at the magnate’s residence at Tissø. At the site we find traces of the smith, the bronze caster and the goldsmith as well as craftsmen who produced glass beads, combs and textiles. Some of the goods were made for the magnate and his household, while others were meant as gifts to friends and allies or were produced with sale in mind. The work of the craftsmen is evident in the form of production refuse, half-finished products, models and templates, defective castings, tools, bars and scrap metal. Their workplace was often a small shed, a pit-house, a tent or simply a hearth under the open sky. On special occasions a market was held at the residence. On these occasions travelling artisans, traders and other worthies came to Tissø. There were goods for all tastes: exquisite jewellery and fine weapons for the aristocracy, and simple bronze fibulae, knives, strike-a-lights and Thor’s hammers of iron for the ordinary people.

Trade and crafts
Pit-house under excavation at the magnate courtyard near Tissø. The pit-house was among other things used as workshops, mainly in connection with textile production.
Trade and crafts
Loom weights and spindle weights found in several pit-houses at Tissø.
Trade and crafts
A small selection of the many gilded and tinned bronze-jewellery, which is found near Tissø. They are manufactured in the periode from the 6th - 8th century AD.
Trade and crafts
Models made in bronze and lead was used at Tissø for the manufacturing of fashionable jewellery from the Viking Age.
Trade and crafts
Different types of drill and fire steel from Tissø.