Description:

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A beautifully preserved case for carrying needles made from three cast bronze components: a long, cylindrical prong whose movement is still present and front and back openwork panels that the prong slots between. The panels are rectangular aside from the prong end, which is a double curve form. The panels are joined together - holding the prong in place but allowing it some movement - by four bronze pins, one at each corner. The openwork on the panels has a series of wheel-like motifs inside a border. Size: 4.1" L x 0.9" W (10.4 cm x 2.3 cm)

Many surviving examples of Viking trousers have belt loops and the belt seems to have been an integral part of Viking attire. However, it could sometimes be to their detriment; for example, in Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, written in the early 14th century, there is a description of a fight where one man's belt snaps and, as he clutches at his falling trousers, his foe deals him a death blow.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#122670

  • Condition: Loss to tip of prong. Smooth, pale green patina over surface, with a small patch of iron patina on one end, suggesting that it leaned against something iron when deposited.

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May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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