Description:

Northern Europe, Anglo-Saxon or Viking / Norse, ca. 6th to 11th century CE. A beautiful cross pendant crafted from over 22 karat gold to present arms of equal length adorned with scrolling and twisted bands of filigree. A thick, vertically-incised suspension loop is featured at the top allowing the pendant to be strung on a necklace. Filigree gold items were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status in northern and western Europe at this time. Size: 1.2" W x 1.5" H (3 cm x 3.8 cm); gold quality: 93% (over 22 karats); weight: 6.6 grams

Like many objects from this time period, it is difficult to place this into a specific culture because there was so much movement of goods between different groups. For example, almost identical gold items have been found in the Hoen hoard, Norway's largest find of Viking gold, but the hoard contained items from the Franks, Romans, Byzantines, Anglo-Saxons, and the Arabic world. Bronze examples of these miniature situlae have been found in hoards in Vimose bog, Denmark, and Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Researchers have theorized that they represent large wooden buckets used in the world of the Franks, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings to hold mead or ale. Those buckets were used to replenish individual drinks during feasts. These small pendants were probably symbolic of that activity, representing endless abundance.

Provenance: private London, UK collection

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#190615

  • Condition: Some minor chipping and bending to suspensions loop, as well as some light indentations to body. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and in overall excellent condition with impressively preserved detail.

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December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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