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LOT 0396
Viking White Metal Filigree Crucifix Pendant
8TH-12TH CENTURY AD
1 1/4 in. (9.32 grams, 31 mm).
Depicting Christ bound by his wrists to the cross, wearing trousers; granulation to the body indicates a patterned shirt; beaded border around the perimeter of the cross; this lot bears close parallels with the ‘Birka Crucifix’ held by the Swedish History Museum but is not made from silver.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market in the 2000s.
LiteratureSee The Swedish History Museum, Inventarienummer: 34000; Undernummer: Bj 660; SHM Föremålsidentitet: 108914, for the Birka Crucifix; see Graham-Campbell, J., Viking Art, Thames and Hudson, London, 2013, for another image of the Birka Crucifix and discussion.
FootnotesThe Birka Crucifix pendant, unearthed from Birka grave 660 in Uppland, Sweden, is thought to be the oldest representation of Christ in the Nordic world and bears many similarities to this lot. The Swedish History Museum’s example was excavated from the grave of a wealthy female Christian convert; it is a filigree figure of Christ bound to the cross by his wrists, wearing trousers; this lot is a lower-relief white metal filigree crucifix with integral suspension loop, featuring a representation of head and face executed in the same shape and style as that of the Birka Crucifix figure.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0396
Viking White Metal Filigree Crucifix Pendant
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
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Pre-Viking Bronze Proto Boar's Head Brooch
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Formed as a keeled sub-triangular plaque, convex in profile with bulbs on the flanks extending to a short rounded projection; integral catchplate to reverse and remains of ferrous pin. 15.4 grams, 46 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired early 2000s. East Anglia, UK, collection.
This form of brooch developed from Scandinavian Iron Age forms of bow brooch with crossbar, bow and footplate; it later evolved into the standard form of boar-head brooch. -
Viking Age Silver Mount with Lunar Pendant
Circa 9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Discoid mount with repoussé animal design, pierced for attachment of a crescent dangle. 2.65 grams, 45 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman. -
Viking Age Gold 'Elf Shot' Pendant
9th-11th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £312
Gold cup with hoop and suspension loop, aqua glass insert. 0.55 grams, 16 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
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.
