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LOT 1359
Viking Period Rus Silver Temple Earring Pair
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 - 2 1/4 in. (30 grams total, 55-57 mm).
Each composed of a decoratively twisted upper hoop, bulbous collars and a large central bulb with projecting cones and granules. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureSee Various, Археалогія Беларусі. Т. 1., A-K, Minsk, 2009, p.372, for similar earring typology.
FootnotesThis style of earring was typical among Slavic women in the 8th-12th centuries, an imitation of Eastern Roman models. Examples have been found in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and with similar decoration in Belarus. Such rings were also worn as part of head-dresses, in which context they are known as ‘temple rings’ because they were worn by women near the temples. They were usually made of base metals, but some silver and gold examples also survive. Different tribes had their own designs, which were often threaded onto a cord, forming part of a
head-dress, or woven directly into braids of hair.
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AUCTIONS:
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Viking Age Bronze Comb
10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Featuring a scalloped handle with openwork scrolling tendrils, complete set of teeth below. 16.5 grams, 44 mm
Acquired 1980-2000. Ex property of an American collector.
Norsemen were particularly fastidious about their appearance. The hair and beard were important to the men, for making a statement and to intimidate their opponents. Early combs were made from antler or bone and carried in a small pouch; high status combs were later made from metal (mainly bronze) and have been found as grave goods. -
Viking Age Decorated Bronze Key
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising a round-section tapering shank with ribbed collar to each end; polyhedral block to each end, quatrefoil bit with openwork design, pierced suspension lug. 43.8 grams, 11.6 cm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. -
Viking Age Bronze Riding Crop Terminal with Eagle's Head
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Displaying stylised feather, head and beak detailing; one piercing to neck for attachment; hollow-formed. 20.5 grams, 36 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
