Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1203
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (0.93 grams, 18 mm).
Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate gem; suspension loop above.
Provenance
Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Footnotes
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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Large Viking Age Silver-Gilt Pendant with Interlace Design
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Cast openwork interlaced cross design with lozenge in centre, ribbed suspension loop. 12.06 grams, 46 mm high
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. -
Viking Age Silver-Gilt Pendant with Face
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Displaying scroll decoration to the centre, a bearded male face to the rim, later silver attachment loop; remains of gilding to the centre. 3.2 grams, 21 mm
From the family collection of a London gentleman; formed in the late 1940s-1950s; thence by descent. -
Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-10th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £468
Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate gem; suspension loop above. 0.93 grams, 18 mm
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.
