Viking Age Embossed Repoussé Bracelet

A flat-section copper-alloy bracelet, the penannular body decorated with repoussé pellets to upper nad lower edges, medial band of pellets enclosed by incised circlets. 19 grams, 58 mm



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.

A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone. 1.31 grams, 16 mm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described 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.

A copper-alloy torc with a tapering round-section body composed of decoratively twisted bars, terminals forming loops and coiled collars. 63 grams, 13 cm wide



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.