Scandinavian Pre-Viking Period Silver-Gilt Beast-Headed Strap End

Miniature drum-shaped vessel covered in a filigree meander pattern with granules and a strap handle. 1.60 grams, 12 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.

Central rectangular void with an addorsed horsehead springing from each upper corner, leg from the lower corner; notched mane and running band of zigzags to each neck; pierced for attachment; Baltic type. 4.67 grams, 39 mm



Ex private Wiltshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Piriform in profile with facetted body, discoid foot, collar and suspension loop. 146 grams, 63 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.