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Like all the ancient world Viking society depended on slaves for everyday
work on the farm and around the house, but although legend described the
race of thralls as a separate creation, the Vikings recognised that slaves
were people too. Free people might be enslaved for bad debts or might
give themselves into slavery as a way out of hopeless poverty (at least an
owner would feed you!), and slaves might be freed for good service or to
become followers of their former owners.
This is well symbolised by the fact that this heavy steel thrall ring (slave collar) is removable.
In the original the rivets holding it shut would be hammered into place by
a blacksmith, and would have to be cut off with a cold chisel.
In this re-enactment version one of the rivets is a bolt which can be unscrewed.
Hand forged steel, either square or oval section, can be stamped with a
short runic inscription at no extra cost:
The illustration says "THRALL" in Anglo-Saxon runes. Standard size is 35cm, can be made to measure.
SQUARE OR OVAL SECTION: £30