Viking Age Bronze Equal-Arm Brooch Pair

9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

3 - 3 3/8 in. (109 grams total, 78-84 mm).

With central dome and upturned ends, ribbed and textured detailing to the obverse, catch and pin-lugs to the reverse. [2, No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.78; for reconstruction of how they were used see Various, The Viking, Gothenburg, 1984, pp.201, figs.2-4.

Footnotes

Equal-armed bronze brooches of this category were found in various graves of Birka’s cemeteries (graves 444, 603, 535, 551, 577 and 483). They were all female graves and these clasps were used to fasten the cloaks in the upper part of the dress.

CONDITION

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LOT 1465