Viking Age Miniature Gold Shield Boss

A gold 'elf shot' pendant with arch-shaped body and collared suspension loop, set with a polished garnet or amethyst stone. 1.31 grams, 16 mm high



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.

A silver Scandinavian pendant of Riddarholmen type with integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes. 5.48 grams, 32 mm



Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Riddarholmen type pendants were also widespread in the historical Rus region centred on Kiev.

A trio of silver axehead pendants of different forms, each suspended on a free-running silver ring with overlapping and coiled arms; two decorated with punched annulets to one face, a third with punched triangles populated with single pellets. 8.93 grams total, 32-34 mm

Fine condition, usage wear.

Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.