Viking Age Silver Axehead Pendant

Composed of an openwork discoid body displaying the two mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn positioned back-to-back, heads turned to face each other, simple detailing to their feathers and raised notched border; suspension loop to apex. 6.01 grams, 30 mm high



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

In Norse mythology, these two ravens were sent on daily flights around the world by the god Odin. Believed to have been granted the power of speech by Odin, the birds would perch on the god's shoulders to relay news gathered on their travels.

Elliptical in cross-section with a ring-and-dot eye to each face, ridged coxcomb and upturned muzzle; split flange to the rear to accept a small blade; punched point detailing. 14.7 grams, 33 mm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex property of a German collector.

With flange to both rims and bifacial ornament, bands of punched pellet and saltire detailing to the edges of each face and the outer rim, pointillé chevron, pellet and other motifs flanking the gap and on the hoop opposite; Latvian-Baltic type. 157 grams, 95 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

The warrior bracelets were very often decorated with symbols of divinities. The zig-zag line here visible are the symbol of Mara, the deity of earth and water and all the creatures within. An insight into her position within the ancient beliefs abound in dainas, and are just as often visually reflected in Latvian ornamental design. This symbol dates back to the Iron Age.