Viking Era Bronze Exceptional Amulet with Four Stylized Raven Heads - 37 mm (No reserve price)
02
days
17
hours
33
minutes
41
seconds
Current bid
€ 65
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €65 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €58 | |
| €55 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142857 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Bronze Viking-period amulet, Exceptional Amulet with Four Stylized Raven Heads, dating to the 9th–11th century AD, measuring 37 × 37 mm and in good condition with a stable dark green patina.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Material: Cast bronze
Dimensions: 37 × 37 mm
Condition: Very good, with stable dark green patina; minor wear and small casting flaws consistent with age. No active corrosion.
A rare, solidly cast Viking Age amulet formed as a circular ring bordered with a beaded inner rim and four evenly spaced projecting terminals. Each terminal is rendered as a short, curved, beak-like raven —birds sacred to Odin. The crisp ring-and-dot/beaded detailing and compact, balanced design are typical of late 1st-millennium Norse metalwork.
Meaning & use
In Norse belief, ravens—Huginn (“Thought”) and Muninn (“Memory”)—were Odin’s messengers, symbols of wisdom, foresight, and protection. Amulets with animal heads were worn for apotropaic power and personal identity; this piece could be suspended through the central opening on a thong, or sewn to dress or gear.
A charismatic, wearable object encapsulating the spirit and symbolism of Viking art.
Material: Cast bronze
Dimensions: 37 × 37 mm
Condition: Very good, with stable dark green patina; minor wear and small casting flaws consistent with age. No active corrosion.
A rare, solidly cast Viking Age amulet formed as a circular ring bordered with a beaded inner rim and four evenly spaced projecting terminals. Each terminal is rendered as a short, curved, beak-like raven —birds sacred to Odin. The crisp ring-and-dot/beaded detailing and compact, balanced design are typical of late 1st-millennium Norse metalwork.
Meaning & use
In Norse belief, ravens—Huginn (“Thought”) and Muninn (“Memory”)—were Odin’s messengers, symbols of wisdom, foresight, and protection. Amulets with animal heads were worn for apotropaic power and personal identity; this piece could be suspended through the central opening on a thong, or sewn to dress or gear.
A charismatic, wearable object encapsulating the spirit and symbolism of Viking art.
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
9th–11th Century AD
Name of object
Exceptional Amulet with Four Stylized Raven Heads
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Europe
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
37 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
37 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
