The Buddhas Among Vikings
This 6th century Buddha statuette from North India was found in an old Viking trading town on Helgö Island in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. During the excavation of the Oseberg ship one so-called “Buddha bucket” was found. The findings illustrate that the Vikings traded over vast distances and had to deal with many different cultures and religions.
The statuette on Helgö Island was found along with an Irish crosier and an Egyptian Coptic christening ladle. The first archaeological excavation in 1954 uncovered the remains of the early settlement dating back as far as 200 AD. The small statuette and the christening ladle were both dating from the 6th century.
The so-called “Buddha bucket” found in the Oseberg ship got its name from a brass and enamel ornament of a bucket handle in the shape of a figure sitting with crossed legs. The bucket is made from yew wood, held together with brass strips, and the handle is attached to two anthropomorphic figures compared to depictions of the Buddha in the lotus posture.
Explored the World
In the period 8th to 11th century the Vikings traveled throughout the known and unknown world where they trough trade and warfare met new cultures and religions: From Greenland and Vinland (North America) in the west, Miklagard (Constantinople) and India in the East, to Blåland (English: “Blue Land”, meaning Africa) in the south.
With the battle axe in one hand, they had to deal with people who had a different culture, language, and color and that believed in other gods than themselves: Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and tribes that followed natural religions.
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Exceptional photo's and narrative! Thank you for sharing.