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LOT 0333
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Gold Votive Plaque of Guldgubbe with Goddess Facing
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (1.45 grams, 26 mm).
Sheet-gold plaque with folded edges, repoussé image of a facing figure in ankle-length robe, hands resting on the hips.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12755-234703.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Franceschi, G., Jorn, A., Magnus, B., Men, Gods and Masks in Nordic Iron Age Art, Koln, 2005, pls.1,33-38 and Adamsen, C. et al., Sorte Muld, Rønne, 2008, p.47, for similar votive plaques.
FootnotesGuldgubbe was originally a Swedish word that has entered in the Scandinavian language and denote tiny human or divine figures either cut from sheet gold or formed over a patrix. Figures of women are extremely rare in metal art before the 7th century A.D. It is only with Guldgubbe that women make their appearance. They are usually viewed both in profile or (like here) frontally.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0333
Scandinavian Pre-Viking Gold Votive Plaque of Guldgubbe with Goddess Facing
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,420
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Viking Age Bronze Decorated Axe Pendant
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed as a miniature axehead with broad blade, ribbed border and three ring-and-dot motifs, flat socket pierced for suspension. 4.82 grams, 31 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £780
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset knapped flint blade. 1.64 grams, 57 mm
From the collection of a late Japanese collector, 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period. -
Viking Age Bronze Annular Brooch
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
With ropework detailing to the hoop, hooks and granule clusters above, row of loops to lower edge, each with an articulated chain and duck-foot finial; Finno-Ugric type. 87 grams, 17.5 cm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
