Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1761
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/8 in. (0.18 grams, 10 mm).
Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
Footnotes
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.
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
-
Viking Age Bronze Double Bell Pendant Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Each comprising a tubular bead with ribbing to the outer face, suspension loops each supporting a bottle-shaped dangle. 25 grams total, 40 mm each
UK gallery, early 2000s. -
Viking Bronze Stirrup Apex Mount
Circa 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Lozenge-shaped with lattice and raised pellets to the body, pierced lobe above, ledge to reverse with ferrous accretion. 21.7 grams, 45 mm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Viking Age Bronze Necklace Bead Group
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Each barrel-shaped with median carination. 60 grams total, 8-10 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
