Küchelmann, Hans Christian (2026): Bone, antler and ivory artefacts in the Hanseatic North Atlantic trade. in: Christensen, Marianne & Goutas, Nejma (eds.): Bone, Tools, and Traditions. 15th WBRG meeting Paris, May 13-17, 2024, Séances de la Société préhistorique française 24, 297-310, Paris
Abstract
From the 13th to the 17th century the North German towns united in the Hanseatic League played an important role in Medieval and Early Modern trade in Europe. Hanseatic trade with the North Atlantic regions of Northern Norway, Iceland, Shetland, and the Faroes was in several aspects different from other trade destinations. The North Atlantic trade centred around bulk goods like stockfish, but other commodities, which could only be obtained from the far North, feature a small but prominent role as well. Of particular interest from the osseous artefact perspective are walrus and narwhal ivory and reindeer antler, imported as raw material. Apart from raw materials there is a range of artefacts from skeletal materials, which are directly related to the North Atlantic trade and offer insights into social relationships, craftsmanship and trade networks. Such artefacts range from fishing gear over ship’s tools to gaming pieces.
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Küchelmann, Hans Christian (2026): Bone, antler and ivory artefacts in the Hanseatic North Atlantic trade. in: Christensen, Marianne & Goutas, Nejma (eds.): Bone, Tools, and Traditions. 15th WBRG meeting Paris, May 13-17, 2024, Séances de la Société préhistorique française 24, 297-310, Paris
Abstract
From the 13th to the 17th century the North German towns united in the Hanseatic League played an important role in Medieval and Early Modern trade in Europe. Hanseatic trade with the North Atlantic regions of Northern Norway, Iceland, Shetland, and the Faroes was in several aspects different from other trade destinations. The North Atlantic trade centred around bulk goods like stockfish, but other commodities, which could only be obtained from the far North, feature a small but prominent role as well. Of particular interest from the osseous artefact perspective are walrus and narwhal ivory and reindeer antler, imported as raw material. Apart from raw materials there is a range of artefacts from skeletal materials, which are directly related to the North Atlantic trade and offer insights into social relationships, craftsmanship and trade networks. Such artefacts range from fishing gear over ship’s tools to gaming pieces.
Download (1,1 MB)