A Bit Arabic: Pseudo-Arabic Inscriptions on Viking Age Weights in Sweden and Expressions of Self-image

Abstract

There are many Viking Age weights in Scandinavia, and not least in Swedcn. A few of the sphrrical weights with flat poles, which were used for weighing silver in trading situations, display so-called pseudo-Arabic inscriptions, i.e. writing which resembles Arabic but which is mostly illegible. Why did some people put Arabic-like writing on their weights, and what did they hope to achieve by this? These questions are discussed together with positive aspects of trade, interaction and encounters with foreigners, visual aspects of weights and weighing, as well as personal choices in the presentation of self-image.