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LOT 1608
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
5/8 in. (0.73 grams, 15 mm).
Bell-shaped cup with suspension loop, inset irregular amethyst.
ProvenanceFrom a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
FootnotesThis 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £312
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, aqua glass insert. 0.55 grams, 16 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: 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. -
Viking Age Gold Axe-Shaped Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £143
Sheet gold with integral loop, pelta-shaped blade. 0.09 grams, 7 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Viking Age Scandinavian Gold Filigree Pendant with Terslev Motif
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
Disc with integral loop secured at the reverse; obverse with applied filigree Terslev ornament of three radiating looped knots and interstitial loops. 7.99 grams, 40 mm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12113-212333.
