Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1633
Viking Age Gold Elfshot Pendant
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3/4 in. (1.30 grams, 19 mm).
Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset glass bead.
Provenance
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Bronze Pendant Collection
Early 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Including a zoomorphic mount with pierced feet and suspension loop, and other items. 38.3 grams total, 31-46 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bronze Hinged Horse Harness Pendant
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising: triangular attachment plate with rivet-holes at the upper corners, Y-shaped motif in a beaded border, lateral scrolls; articulating joint connecting to a tongue-shaped bifacial pendant with ribbed bulb and scrollwork. 36 grams, 90 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Viking Age Bronze Penannular Brooch with Dragon's Heads
10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Twisted hoop with addorsed horse-head finials, round-section pin. 29 grams, 58 mm
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
