Description:

Northern Europe / Russia, Migration Period / Finno-Ugric / Proto-Viking, ca. 5th to 8th century CE. A fascinating cast white bronze (copper alloy with a high percentage of tin) pendant, flat, with one side in the form of a face inside a coiled serpent's body. On the back is a loop for suspension. The mythical serpent is common in Germanic religious belief from this time period, called "linnormr" in Old Norse, which translates to lindworm; the concept is known across Scandinavia and northern Europe and can still be seen in British heraldry. It also relates to the "wyrm" of Beowulf, a hateful creature that hoards treasure and carries a venemous bite, the inspiration for the classic European dragon found in modern fantasy like Tolkein. The encircled face here with its wide eyes may symbolize someone trapped by this creature. Similar motifs seen in Viking jewelry relate to the tale of Thor and the sea serpent Jormungandr. Size: 1.5" W (3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#122700

  • Condition: Tip of serpent's nose is lost. Smooth lovely patina on surface.

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December 5, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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