Craftspeople in emporia - the original cast. Non-ferrous metalworkers in eighth century Ribe
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2017-03-24

This paper argues that the organization of crafts had an imperative significance for the emergence of urban environments in early medieval emporia in Northern Europe. This is demonstrated in a re-assesment of a non-ferrous metal workshop from the eighth century excavated in Ribe, Denmark. 3D laser scans are used to classify previously unidentified mould fragments, and new identifications are offered as a result. The results show that the workshop produced a range of items including bits for horse harness, chests with elaborate locks and dress ornaments. In each case the finished product demanded a range of specialized materials, and thus presumably the skills and expertise of a group of craftsmen. This need for collaboration between specialized artisans was a vital reason why permanent communities of an urban character emerged in ports with privileged access to imported materials. This offers the basis of a revised model for the emergence of urbanism in the North Sea region.

Author - Prof. Sindbaek, Soren, Aarhus University, H jbjerg, Denmark (Presenting author)
Co-author(s) - Neiss, Michael, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Co-author(s) - Croix, Sarah, Aarhus University, H jbjerg, Denmark