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LOT 0353
'The Powys' Hiberno-Norse Viking Gilt Bronze Pseudo-Penannular Brooch
8TH CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (74.4 grams, 13.2 cm).
Comprising: hoop formed from two convergent crescentic flat-section arms with panels of Insular Style interlace to the obverse, the left arm with two later holes (to accept a securing chain or thong); at each wide end, a trapezoidal panel with regardant beast motif and three discoid cells; at the upper junction, a panel of two-strand interlace; between the wide ends, a narrow rectangular panel with interlace motif; the pin slightly hipped and with round-section shank, triangular headplate with three disc cells (one with amber fill) and central interlace panel; some gilding remaining.
ProvenanceFound by Mr Steven Thomas whilst searching with a metal detector in Powys, Wales, UK, on 28th July 2023.
Accompanied by a copy of the Cymru Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SN 91399 13122; NMGW-67571D.
Accompanied by a condition report and analysis, no.012501 by the Nation Museum of Cardiff.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12730-236283.
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. Youngs, S. (ed.), The Work of Angels. Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD, London, 1989, for general treatment of Insular metalwork; Stevenson, R.B.K., The Hunterston Brooch and its Significance, Medieval Archaeology vol.18, 1974; Redknap, M., Insular Non-Ferrous Metalwork from wales of the 8th to 10th Centuries, in Bourke, C. (ed.), From the Isles of the North. Early Medieval Art in Ireland and Britain, Belfast, 1995; Rynne, E., Gilt Bronze Brooch from Near Kilshanny, Co.Clare, in North Munster Antiquarian Journal, vol.30, 1988.
FootnotesThe brooch is 'pseudo-penannular' because of the apparent gap between the flared terminals is blocked by the small rectangular panel; thus the pin cannot pass between the flared ends in the normal manner of a penannular brooch, where one of the curved arms is passed behind the pin to lock it in place. The findspot lies close to a major highway running from the kingdom of Brycheiniog to the southern part of Wales, not far from the Maen Madoc inscribed stone.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0353
'The Powys' Hiberno-Norse Viking Gilt Bronze Pseudo-Penannular Brooch
Sold for (Inc. bp): £12,350
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Viking Bronze Decorated Arm Bangle
9th-11th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £572
Comprising a substantial D-section coil with lines of punched decoration to the median facet and knotwork bands at the upper and lower sections. 261 grams, 80 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. Ex Mayfair gallery, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bronze Twisted Bracelet
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Formed of four round-section twisted rods, looped finials. 22.8 grams, 65 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. 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): £260
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset glass bead. 1.30 grams, 19 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. 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.
