Description:

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A stunning bracelet of annular form that is shaped from a length of 89.32% silver. The ovoid accessory exhibits lustrous surfaces, a curved body, and a petite serpent head for each terminal. The serpents feature slender mouths and concentric circles for eyes while the lengthy body is adorned with hundreds of stamped triangles. A stunning piece of wearable jewelry from the ancient Vikings! Size: 0.27" L x 3.23" W x 2.59" H (0.7 cm x 8.2 cm x 6.6 cm); silver quality: 89.32%; weight: 56.9 grams

The serpent form probably relates to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jormungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jormungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's terrified fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jormungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.

Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private UK collection, from an old British collection formed in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#188438

  • Condition: Professionally cleaned in modern times, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to stamped motifs.

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August 16, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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