Viking Age Bronze Beast-Head Staff Terminal

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

2 1/4 in. (41.7 grams, 58 mm).

Comprising a hollow socket with iron rod inserted, terminal formed as a beast-head with open jaws, lobed snout, canine teeth prominent, ribbed brow and bulbous eyes, D-shaped ears to the rear. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired in the 1990s.
Ex property of a German collector.

Literature

Cf. Graham-Campbell, J., The Viking World, London, 1980, p.134-5, for similar animal-heads carved on the wagon found in the Oseberg ship-burial at Tønsberg, Vestfold, Norway; the Oseberg burial marks the beginning of Viking Age art. It is dated dendrochronologically to 834 A.D.

CONDITION

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LOT 1331