Knife, iron, antler, silver

From the Cross Meadow, Visby parish, Gotland, 1250-1361 A.D. Four knives were found in the mass graves. They are some of the few examples of objects in the findings that could have been used as weapons. The three smaller knives have probably been work knives, a part of the personal equipment. The fourth knife, the only one with a preserved handle, has probably been a hunting knife. The hunting knife consists of a blade with a straight edge and slightly curved back. The blade is mounted in a handle made of bone/antler. On the silver-work on the handle there are three ornate fields of fable creatures. At the end of the handle there are indentations showing that the knife has originally had some form of metalwork on the end. Objects with similar ornamentation are included in the Dune treasure, which is believed to have been buried in connection with Valdemar's attack. The Dune treasure is exhibited in the Gold Room. SHM 19525:Ryy3