Viking Age Twisted Bronze Bracelet

A group of flat-section Mordvinian type brooches, decorated to the trapezoidal plates with raised pellets, reserved scroll tendrils, hatching and other ornament. 91 grams total, 52-57 mm



Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M.

This type of brooch belongs to the typologies of the omega brooches. It was probably used by Ugro-Finnic people to fasten the shirt at the neck or to attach other lighter garments. These brooches evolved to become very elaborate, with dangling springs from the edges, and were often worn in pairs, particularly on female garments. In this late Viking period their coins demonstrated Russian and Eastern Roman influences in their art and jewellery.

With shallow bowl and bulb to the neck, square-section handle with twisted shank, collar and knop finial; reverse of bowl with lattice motif; mounted on a custom-made stand. 15.4 grams, 13.5 cm (39 grams total, 14.7 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 1995. Private collection, London.

The lattice motif has parallels in the art of the Vars and other cultures of the Hungarian plain. Scandinavian contact with that part of Europe was maintained by trade and settlement along the Volga and other waterways. The city of Kyiv was ruled by Scandinavian Rus for some centuries.

Comprising a lead disc with central gouge to one face, bronze disc with central recess and inset silver stud, radiating triangular punchmarks. 28.9 grams total, 22 mm each



From a private Barnsley, UK, family collection.