Viking Era Silver Axehead Amulet Pendant

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. A Viking silver amulet pendant in the form of a stylised axehead. The pendant has a tapering trapezoid blade, widening towards the cutting edge and narrowing towards the suspension hole. The front and reverse are decorated with incised geometric line decorations. The pendant is complete with its original silver suspension ring, allowing it to be worn on a cord or chain. -> Axehead pendants are well known from Viking-age material culture and are generally understood as amuletic objects. They may refer to the symbolic power of the axe as a weapon, tool, and sign of strength, protection, and status. -> The axe was one of the most recognisable objects of the Viking world. It served as a practical tool, a weapon, and a powerful symbol of authority and martial identity. Miniature axe pendants may have been worn as protective amulets or as expressions of personal identity. Size: ± 20,4 x 14,2 mm Condition: Good condition and wearable on original suspension ring. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. -> Miniature axe pendants are among the distinctive amuletic objects of the Viking Age. Their small size made them suitable for daily wear, while their form connected them to strength, protection, and warrior identity. -> The axe had both practical and symbolic importance in Viking society. It was used in daily life, warfare, and elite display, making it a powerful emblem in both ordinary and ritual contexts. -> Silver was highly valued in Viking culture and could function as jewellery, portable wealth, and a sign of status. The survival of the original suspension ring makes this pendant especially interesting as a wearable Viking-age object. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.

Estimate:$252.05

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