Viking Era Bronze Völva's Amulet Duck Feet

Völva's amulet "Duck Feet" on a 925 sterling silver chain

An amulet depicting three duck feet, suspended on a strong chain made of 925 silver, goes on sale. The whole thing is in very good condition – the elements are solid, well-fitted, and the amulet itself has a great, dark patina that emphasizes the details.Below is detailed information about the item and its history

Characteristics:

This is a zoomorphic amulet imitating animal shapes. It consists of a horizontal, ribbed base with three decorative knobs on top. On the lower rings hang three twisted links with movable pendants in the shape of flat, bird feet with a clearly marked web. The elements move freely with every movement.

Condition and patina:

The amulet is covered with a thick, natural patina with a deep, greenish-brown shade, characteristic of objects lying for centuries in the ground (so-called corrosive / noble patina). In the crevices of the casting, between the ribbing of the base and in the recesses of the webs, mineralized micro-traces of soil and metal oxides are visible. These authentic traces of earth deposition not only confirm the archaic character of the object, but also perfectly reflect the appearance of artifacts pulled by archaeologists straight from early medieval cultural layers and cist graves from the period between the 8th and 11th centuries.

Purpose and users:

This item did not serve as an ordinary ornament of everyday use. It was usually used by völvas (Scandinavian witches and clairvoyants) and people exceptionally close to the gods of old beliefs, who performed pagan rituals and mediated between the human and supernatural worlds. The talisman was meant to support their status and protect them during entering a spiritual trance.

Type:

Magical and protective amulet. In ancient beliefs, waterfowl had the ability to move between worlds (earth, water, air), which is why powerful mystical properties were attributed to it.

Period:

Early Middle Ages, Viking Age (around 10th–11th century AD).

Origin:

This styling was popular among Finno-Ugric peoples and in the territories of Kievan Rus. From there, thanks to trade and Viking expeditions, these unique items found their way to Scandinavia, where they became the property of people standing highest in the spiritual hierarchy.Historical context and comparison with

Fyrkat:

This is a direct reference to the famous find from grave No. 4 in Denmark, in the former Viking stronghold of Fyrkat. A woman who was a völva – a Scandinavian witch, clairvoyant, and mystic who performed pagan rituals – was buried there. In her burial chamber (in the shape of a chest), archaeologists found, among others, an iron magic staff and plenty of henbane seeds (a poisonous plant causing hallucinogenic trance). At this woman's belt was exactly the same amulet with three duck feet, which served her as a powerful protective talisman during rituals.

Documentation and authenticity:

I attach a full certificate of authenticity to the item. The document contains the official signature of a certified expert – an anthropologist who is also a specialist in archaeology and early medieval earth excavations. This gives a full guarantee of the origin and collector's value of the offered artifact.

Provenance: Private collection (F.B), United States.