The Vikings
Art and Music

Vikings art is called Norse Art. The Vikings did not create works of art simply to be admired. But they were a very artistic people.

They added carvings to just about everything, carvings of signs, symbols, dragons and other beasts. Those items that could not be carved were colorfully decorated with embroidery and patches.

They decorated everything, no matter how small or humble. Their art was ornate, with complicated patterns that took a great deal of work and talent to create. when they could, they added silver wire to objects like axe handles to give them greater beauty and strength.

Music was also very important. Instruments included harps, fiddles, lyres, and lutes.

Styles of art in the Viking age