Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1457
Baltic Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (157 grams, 95 mm).
With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. [No Reserve]
Provenance
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Literature
Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.CVII (28); Latvian Academy of Culture, Catalogue of Endangered Latvian Archaeological Artefacts, Riga, 2016, p.6, no.9.
Footnotes
The warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Viking Age Bronze Faux Plaited Ring
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
The slender hoop slightly expanded at the bezel, displaying a faux plaited design. 1.63 grams, 22.56 mm overall, 19.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Baltic Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. 157 grams, 95 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age. -
Viking Age Bronze Contorted Gripping Beast Pendant
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Scandinavian pendant of Norelund type with integral suspension loop; the openwork plaque with three-band border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping hands to the body and border, facing mask below the loop. 6.22 grams, 34 mm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.
There is a class of discoid pendants with banded borders and contorted figures found in the hinterland of the Baltic region, associated with the influence of Scandinavian settlers. The design of these items recalls specific elements of Scandinavian art - for example, the 'gripping hands' motif is a feature of the Oseberg Style named after the famous Norwegian ship-burial. Oseberg Style is associated with the beginnings of the Viking age, and was current in the 9th century when Scandinavian settlers began to establish centres of trade and political control in the area of the rivers Dnieper and Volga. The motif has been interpreted as a horse and linked with various legends and mythic figures, including Sigurð's fight with the dragon Fafnir.
