The actual hacksilver-weight appr 10x10 mm
Clay model of the original Silver-weight scale 4:1
Foldout of the shape of the Silverweight (cubo-oktaëder)
The actual size of the object
This is a Silver-weight, made out of bronze and approximately one centimeter big, it weighs 3.23 grams. This Kubo-octaëder shaped object was made in Scandinavia around the 9th century and used for valuing currency while trading (international). It was found on Schouwen here in Zeeland and is one of the first traces of Vikings trading with the European mainland.
Although it is a relatively small and by sight insignificant object, it is of great value as it embodies historical evidence of trading between the Vikings and Europe. In the past, the object had a role in value as well, since it indicated the amount of silver people needed to buy certain things. People would then get these amounts of silver by chopping off parts of their silver jewelry or other silver objects they had, this was called hacksilver (trans. chop silver), therefore this object is also called a hacksilver-weight.
Black and white mapping.
This exhibit is a game that displays the full lifetime of a hacksilver-weight: from making to displaying. The original bronze object was used by the Vikings to value silver. It was found on a beach in Schouwe, Zeeland. Making it a proof of trade between Zeeland and Scandinavia around 1000. This game is made for the purpose of interactively making the players more familiar with, how the object was used, where it was used, and what it signifies. The original object can on first sight easily be mistaken for a dice, yet it having 4 dots on each side instead signify it's 'value'. In this game, it looking like a dice and it's original purpose are both shown / explored. Furthermore, the game also includes the trading aspect and the routes to be taken resemble those of the Vikings. The cards found give bonuses, objectives but also more information about the object. The dice does not only move you spaces but depending on which picture it shows, and where you are located on the map, also extra tasks. All this for creating a fun experience, revealing the importance then and now of this seemingly unimportant object.