VIKING SLAVE LOCK KEY 10TH-11TH CENTURY AD

Finely forged example, 4” length. Tapered rectangular section shank, with medial step and pierced ring terminal. Opposite with right angled intricately keyed bit. Excellent conserved condition. The capture and trade of slaves was a principle Viking occupation with the typical Viking household having a slave dwelling outbuilding. It is estimated that by 1100, ten percent of Europe’s population was enslaved.