Loading, please wait...
LOT 1477
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (0.85 grams, 17 mm).
Formed as a gold cap set with polished glass gem; suspension loop above.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Baltic Decorated Bronze Bracelet
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. 157 grams, 95 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
The warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age. -
Viking Age Bronze Axehead Amulet
Circa 9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With scooped blade, hammer to the reverse. 2.05 grams, 27 mm
From the collection of Alan Hardcastle. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Viking Bronze Stirrup Mount
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Trilobate apex terminal with rivet hole, geometric ornament below in relief, shallow ledge to lower edge. 30.4 grams, 52 mm
Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
