Pre-Viking Period Bronze Ring with Wolf Heads

7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (10.25 grams, 27.53 mm overall, 21.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)).

Penannular hoop expanding at the shoulders; the shoulders with fur detailing, and each of the finials formed as a wolf's head with large annular eyes and pointed ears. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK.
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Hammond, B., British Artefacts Volume I, Witham, 2009, for a ring terminal with a similar beast's head.

Footnotes

Some rings from the Vendel period were adorned with images of monstrous animals, derived from Norse mythology. The stylisation of these animal heads recalled the wolf Fenrir, or the World Serpent, Jörmungandr.

CONDITION

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LOT 1764