Lot 61
Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 9th to 10th century CE. An incredible Viking bracelet comprised of high quality silver (99% silver). The section of the bracelet that surrounds most of the wrist is comprised of finely woven silver. Atop the wrist is a slithering serpent winding its way back and forth, its silver wire body forming several loops and adorned by stamped circular motifs, with a coiled passage at either end. An outstanding example of Viking artistry and technique. Size: 3.15" in diameter (8 cm); interior: 2.75" in diameter (7 cm); weight: 40.9 grams; silver quality: 99% pure.
The serpent form may relate 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 the Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular iconography 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 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. Perhaps this serpent bracelet was inspired by that story.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982
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#155489
- Condition: Intact. Chain still has nice movement and can bend slightly. Artwork nicely preserved with light deposits in lower profile areas and nice patina.
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