Viking Age Silver Plaited Ring

Substantial flat mount with loop above, mask formed with lentoid eyes and broad moustache, narrow chin; ledge to rear pierced to accept rivets. 36.1 grams, 38 mm



Found Norfolk, UK.

The face bears a strong likeness to that of the Rällinge statuette discovered in Sweden in the early 20th century and believed to represent the god Yngve-Freyr.

Penannular in form with hook-and-eye closure, twisted shank. 6 grams, 58 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the late 20th century A.D. From the private collection of the late David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK.

Miniature drum-shaped vessel with strap handle, extensive filigree decoration on the body. 2.77 grams, 21 mm



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

Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.