Viking Period Bronze Ear Scoop and Pin Group

Two rods tightly twisted and curved into a penannular shape, hammered flat towards the ends, each terminal with heavily hatched design to the outer edge. 80 grams, 80 mm

3 1/8 in.

From a Sussex, UK, private collection; acquired 1980s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the half-round with elongated arms and exaggerated hands, head tilted and eyes downcast in solemn expression, long hair falling on his shoulders in hanks; wearing a knee-length pleated garment, secured to the waist with a thick knotted rope, gilt roundels to hands and feet to indicate wounds; attaches to lot 358. 70 grams, 11.7 cm wide



From the collection of an antiquarian and collector of medieval art. Acquired on the London art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12731-234561. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The magnificent crucifix is paralleled by two wonderful crucifixes in the Danish Churches of Århus and Lisbjerg. In accordance with the old tradition derived from Byzantium, Christ is depicted as alive, standing in front of his cross, with nailed hands. It may have once been part of an altar decoration or rather have been placed above or in the chancel arch of a church.

Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with integral loop above, inset glass bead. 1.30 grams, 19 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

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.