Viking Age Twisted Bronze Bracelet

Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm



Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: 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.

Voided heart-shaped pendant with integral loop; row of crescents to the arms, two ellipsoid bulbs and knop between. 6.45 grams, 38 mm (27 grams total, 10.1 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 1994. Private collection, London.

With ribbed suspension loop, applied granules. 3.82 grams, 32 mm



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s.