Viking Age Scandinavian Silver Filigree Lozenge-Shaped Pendant

A flat-section Mordvinian type brooch comprising a penannular band and two trapezoidal plates; the tongue round-section with flat scroll around the band; the plates each with raised pellets. 12.5 grams, 63 mm



Private European collection formed before 2000. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A female in floor-length robe holding a shield in her right hand and drawn knife in her left, stylised headdress and long plaited band of hair to the rear; pierced lug to the reverse. 8.08 grams, 40.68 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. Ex property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

This pendant resembles a find from Galgebakke, Denmark, a silver figure holding a short sword and clutching a shield by the boss (Vang Petersen, item 4). The Galgebakke figure is identified as female on the basis of the elaborate crested hairstyle, and an ankle-length dress with tiny feet beneath. The interpretation usually offered for this figure is that of a skjoldmø or 'shield-maiden', a female who takes up arms in pursuit of vengeance such as the legendary Hervor in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks. Scholars used to interpret these armed females as valkyries - hand maidens of the god Oðinn - but the idea has been challenged recently (Gardeła, 2013).

Wire ring with ends wound around the shank; miniature tool pendants including a sickle, mirror, dagger, spike and skillet. 2.81 grams, 30 mm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.