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LOT 1234
Viking Age Silver Decorated Axehead Pendant with Loop
8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (1.9 grams, 33 mm).
A silver pendant composed of a free-running sub-triangular axehead pendant with flanges to the socket, one face displaying a dot-in-ring motif at the centre of concentric zigzagging triangles; slender ring with overlapping terminals forming coiled sleeves and spiralling plaques.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.105(1).
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Silver Odin Pendant with Ravens
9th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
A discoid silver pendant with integral loop, beaded border enclosing a low-relief image of a male facing mask between two birds embraced at the necks. 3.03 grams, 25.8 mm
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Viking Age Gold Elf Shot Pendant
9th-12th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £260
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.
