Viking Gilt Bronze Horse Harness Mount with Face

CIRCA 10TH CENTURY A.D.

1 7/8 in. (17.31 grams, 47.67 mm).

Comprising a hollow central dome with four radiating trapezoidal arms, each with central piercing and bands of punched roundel decoration; dome with male face detailing, thick brow (or helmet) over two piriform eyes, rounded nose and wide-flaring moustache; suspension loop beneath the chin. [No Reserve]

Provenance

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

Literature

Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.92, item 5, for similar mask; Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Mennesker, Guder og Masker i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.1, Borgen, 2005, item 62, for type.

CONDITION

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LOT 0357