Quite intricately made with notched rectangular bit and angled shank with scroll terminal. Just under 5" in length and particularly well forged. Slaving was a primary occupation for Vikings. European slaves were kept in Viking communities and sold to the North African trade. It is estimated that by 1000 AD, 10% of Europe's population was enslaved. Vikings were active slavers, taking coastal village dwellers for their own use, sale to the trade, and in some cases, ransom. A typical Viking homestead is said to have had one or more slave dwellings.