Brass Viking Hairpin Hedeby

Brass Viking Hairpin Hedeby with Dragon Head and Leather Slide

Historical Context and Norse Animal Ornamentation

Metal, bone, or wooden pins were an absolutely essential part of early medieval equipment. Scandinavian women and men used them daily to secure elaborate hairstyles, as well as to fasten cloaks, tunics, and wraps. The dragon or serpentine beast depicted on the head of this pin refers to traditional Viking art styles (such as the Jelling or Borre style), which are characterised by interlocking animal bodies. Similar motifs were commonly found during archaeological excavations in Danish Hedeby (Haithabu), once the most important trade node between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.

How to Properly Use the Hair Slide

This set consists of two parts: the brass pin itself and an embossed leather oval with two holes. If you want to use the product to decorate your hairstyle, simply gather a section of hair, place the leather piece over it, and carefully thread the pin through both holes in the leather and the hair itself. The leather creates the necessary tension and holds the hairstyle firmly in place. You can use the exact same method to fasten the edges of a light woollen cloak or linen tunic across your shoulder.

Safety Guidelines for Handling

We must strongly advise you that the end of the brass pin is very sharp. It was designed this way so that it could easily pierce even coarser and more densely woven fabrics. Exercise the utmost caution when piercing clothing or threading it through your hair to avoid injuring yourself or anyone around you. The product serves purely as decorative jewellery and a clothing accessory; given the sharp tip, we strongly recommend against wearing it during full-contact fencing or combat demonstrations.

Material Care Instructions

To ensure this beautiful piece of jewellery serves you as long as possible, it requires minor care. Brass is a material that naturally oxidises in the air, acquiring a darker historical patina. If you prefer a high shine, we recommend occasionally polishing the metal surface with a dry cloth and a special brass polishing compound. Protect the leather part from unnecessary soaking. To maintain the suppleness of the leather and protect the embossing, it is advisable to lightly rub the leather surface once a season with a transparent leather balm containing beeswax.

Recommended Accessories

To perfectly complete your early medieval look, we highly recommend combining this pin with our leather belts featuring brass fittings, or with massive Viking bracelets from our range of historical jewellery.

Technical Parameters Table