Scandinavian Viking jewelry, especially brooches, holds a prominent place in their cultural legacy, given their widespread popularity during that era. Brooches served as indispensable pieces of jewelry, primarily employed to secure and fasten clothing. While Viking brooches manifested in various styles, oval brooches and ring brooches emerged as the most prevalent types. Penannular brooches, designed in a distinctive ring shape with an open gap, were exclusively worn by men, whereas women favored oval brooches. These oval brooches played a crucial role in fastening dresses, aprons, or cloaks, serving both functional and decorative purposes.
Notably, women often adorned themselves with large ornamental brooches in pairs, which functioned as dress clasps. These brooches featured intricately interwoven animal figures on their surfaces, originally adorned with bright gilding, adding a touch of opulence to their attire.