Viking Era Bronze Amulet, Axe — Symbol of Strength, Courage and Protection — 9th–11th Century AD - 18 mm (No reserve price)
06
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19
hours
29
minutes
42
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Current bid
€ 36
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €36 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €31 | |
 | €26 | |
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This Viking Era bronze axe-shaped amulet, titled “Axe — Symbol of Strength, Courage and Protection”, dates to the 9th–11th century AD and measures 18 × 10 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An elegant miniature silver axe-shaped amulet in the tradition of Viking Age Scandinavian jewellery. Despite its small dimensions, this remarkable piece features a distinctive silhouette inspired by one of the most recognizable weapons of medieval Scandinavia.
The amulet has a characteristic broad blade with a gently curved lower edge, gradually narrowing towards the back of the axe. A small perforation at the narrow end allows the pendant to be worn on a cord or delicate chain.
Measuring only 18 × 10 mm and weighing 0.8 grams, this miniature ornament combines a simple, expressive design with an attractive aged silver surface.
The Axe in Viking Culture — A Weapon and Symbol of Strength
The axe occupied an important place in the lives of Scandinavian peoples during the 9th–11th centuries.
It was used as an everyday tool, a warrior's weapon, and an object associated with strength, craftsmanship, and independence.
Unlike swords, which required considerable resources and specialized craftsmanship, axes were widely used by people from different social backgrounds.
Specialized battle axes also existed, distinguished by their blade shapes, dimensions, and construction.
Axes appear in archaeological finds and artistic traditions associated with Viking Age Scandinavia.
Miniature weapon-shaped pendants are known from Viking Age archaeological contexts and may have served as personal objects with symbolic significance.
The Warrior's Amulet — Courage, Honour and Protection
In Scandinavian society, weapons could carry meanings extending beyond their practical functions.
They could symbolize martial courage, social standing, personal honour, and the ability to protect one's family and community.
A miniature axe worn close to the body might have served as a reminder of strength, determination, and resilience.
Some researchers have associated particular types of miniature axe pendants with religious beliefs and protective symbolism in Viking Age society.
The precise meaning of individual examples remains uncertain, and no specific religious affiliation can be established for this pendant.
Nevertheless, its recognizable form evokes the powerful imagery of the Scandinavian warrior tradition.
Silver in the Viking World
Silver played a significant role in the economy and material culture of Viking Age Scandinavia.
It was used to produce jewellery, amulets, rings, bracelets, and numerous other personal ornaments.
Silver objects could reflect their owners' wealth, serve as gifts, and pass between generations.
Particularly fascinating are miniature silver pendants that reproduce recognizable forms of weapons and everyday tools.
The present example is especially appealing for its small size, restrained design, and clearly recognizable axe-shaped silhouette.
Shape and Craftsmanship
The amulet is fashioned in the form of a small axe with an expanded blade and a gradually narrowing body.
The blade features a rounded outer cutting edge and a gently curved lower contour.
The silver surface is irregular, displaying numerous fine marks, abrasions, and traces of wear.
A clearly visible perforation is preserved at the narrow end, allowing the object to be suspended.
The absence of elaborate ornamentation emphasizes the shape of the axe itself.
Its exceptionally light weight suggests that the pendant was suitable for use as a small personal ornament.
Condition
The amulet retains its complete overall shape and distinctive miniature axe silhouette.
The silver surface displays an uneven greyish-silver colour, irregularities, scratches, and traces of wear.
The suspension perforation is preserved.
The characteristic outline of the axe remains clearly distinguishable.
Specifications
Culture: Presumably Scandinavian / Viking Age
Proposed Dating: 9th–11th century AD
Type: Miniature axe-shaped amulet pendant
Material: Silver
Shape: Stylized axe with a broad blade
Dimensions: 18 × 10 mm
Weight: 0.8 g
Special Features: Miniature construction, distinctive curved blade silhouette, and preserved suspension perforation
Condition: Aged silver surface with traces of wear, abrasions, and minor irregularities
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
Included:
Leather cord included.
The Legend of the Little Axe and Great Strength
The following story is a fictional legend inspired by the culture and traditions of ancient Scandinavia.
Long ago, a young warrior asked an elderly craftsman to create an amulet that would help him preserve his courage in the face of danger.
The craftsman took a small piece of silver and fashioned a tiny axe.
When the warrior saw the ornament, he was surprised.
"How can such a small axe protect me?"
The old craftsman replied:
"A great axe protects your body in battle. This little one should remind you of the strength that lives within you."
The warrior asked:
"And what if I become afraid?"
"Then remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to move forward despite it."
The young man placed the silver amulet around his neck and departed on his first journey.
According to this imagined tale, the little axe became a symbol not of war, but of inner strength, honour, and loyalty to one's word.
True strength is measured not by the size of a weapon, but by the courage of the person who holds it.
A Small Object Reflecting the Spirit of the Viking Age
This silver amulet attracts attention through its simple design, miniature proportions, and recognizable axe-shaped silhouette.
Such ornaments evoke the world of Scandinavian seafarers, warriors, and craftsmen, for whom weapons represented not only practical tools but also important elements of their cultural identity.
Its compact dimensions, aged silver surface, and distinctive form make it particularly appealing to collectors interested in early medieval jewellery and miniature weapon pendants.
A miniature silver axe measuring 18 × 10 mm and weighing only 0.8 grams — an attractive addition to a collection of Scandinavian antiquities, historical amulets, and Viking Age jewellery.
An elegant miniature silver axe-shaped amulet in the tradition of Viking Age Scandinavian jewellery. Despite its small dimensions, this remarkable piece features a distinctive silhouette inspired by one of the most recognizable weapons of medieval Scandinavia.
The amulet has a characteristic broad blade with a gently curved lower edge, gradually narrowing towards the back of the axe. A small perforation at the narrow end allows the pendant to be worn on a cord or delicate chain.
Measuring only 18 × 10 mm and weighing 0.8 grams, this miniature ornament combines a simple, expressive design with an attractive aged silver surface.
The Axe in Viking Culture — A Weapon and Symbol of Strength
The axe occupied an important place in the lives of Scandinavian peoples during the 9th–11th centuries.
It was used as an everyday tool, a warrior's weapon, and an object associated with strength, craftsmanship, and independence.
Unlike swords, which required considerable resources and specialized craftsmanship, axes were widely used by people from different social backgrounds.
Specialized battle axes also existed, distinguished by their blade shapes, dimensions, and construction.
Axes appear in archaeological finds and artistic traditions associated with Viking Age Scandinavia.
Miniature weapon-shaped pendants are known from Viking Age archaeological contexts and may have served as personal objects with symbolic significance.
The Warrior's Amulet — Courage, Honour and Protection
In Scandinavian society, weapons could carry meanings extending beyond their practical functions.
They could symbolize martial courage, social standing, personal honour, and the ability to protect one's family and community.
A miniature axe worn close to the body might have served as a reminder of strength, determination, and resilience.
Some researchers have associated particular types of miniature axe pendants with religious beliefs and protective symbolism in Viking Age society.
The precise meaning of individual examples remains uncertain, and no specific religious affiliation can be established for this pendant.
Nevertheless, its recognizable form evokes the powerful imagery of the Scandinavian warrior tradition.
Silver in the Viking World
Silver played a significant role in the economy and material culture of Viking Age Scandinavia.
It was used to produce jewellery, amulets, rings, bracelets, and numerous other personal ornaments.
Silver objects could reflect their owners' wealth, serve as gifts, and pass between generations.
Particularly fascinating are miniature silver pendants that reproduce recognizable forms of weapons and everyday tools.
The present example is especially appealing for its small size, restrained design, and clearly recognizable axe-shaped silhouette.
Shape and Craftsmanship
The amulet is fashioned in the form of a small axe with an expanded blade and a gradually narrowing body.
The blade features a rounded outer cutting edge and a gently curved lower contour.
The silver surface is irregular, displaying numerous fine marks, abrasions, and traces of wear.
A clearly visible perforation is preserved at the narrow end, allowing the object to be suspended.
The absence of elaborate ornamentation emphasizes the shape of the axe itself.
Its exceptionally light weight suggests that the pendant was suitable for use as a small personal ornament.
Condition
The amulet retains its complete overall shape and distinctive miniature axe silhouette.
The silver surface displays an uneven greyish-silver colour, irregularities, scratches, and traces of wear.
The suspension perforation is preserved.
The characteristic outline of the axe remains clearly distinguishable.
Specifications
Culture: Presumably Scandinavian / Viking Age
Proposed Dating: 9th–11th century AD
Type: Miniature axe-shaped amulet pendant
Material: Silver
Shape: Stylized axe with a broad blade
Dimensions: 18 × 10 mm
Weight: 0.8 g
Special Features: Miniature construction, distinctive curved blade silhouette, and preserved suspension perforation
Condition: Aged silver surface with traces of wear, abrasions, and minor irregularities
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
Included:
Leather cord included.
The Legend of the Little Axe and Great Strength
The following story is a fictional legend inspired by the culture and traditions of ancient Scandinavia.
Long ago, a young warrior asked an elderly craftsman to create an amulet that would help him preserve his courage in the face of danger.
The craftsman took a small piece of silver and fashioned a tiny axe.
When the warrior saw the ornament, he was surprised.
"How can such a small axe protect me?"
The old craftsman replied:
"A great axe protects your body in battle. This little one should remind you of the strength that lives within you."
The warrior asked:
"And what if I become afraid?"
"Then remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to move forward despite it."
The young man placed the silver amulet around his neck and departed on his first journey.
According to this imagined tale, the little axe became a symbol not of war, but of inner strength, honour, and loyalty to one's word.
True strength is measured not by the size of a weapon, but by the courage of the person who holds it.
A Small Object Reflecting the Spirit of the Viking Age
This silver amulet attracts attention through its simple design, miniature proportions, and recognizable axe-shaped silhouette.
Such ornaments evoke the world of Scandinavian seafarers, warriors, and craftsmen, for whom weapons represented not only practical tools but also important elements of their cultural identity.
Its compact dimensions, aged silver surface, and distinctive form make it particularly appealing to collectors interested in early medieval jewellery and miniature weapon pendants.
A miniature silver axe measuring 18 × 10 mm and weighing only 0.8 grams — an attractive addition to a collection of Scandinavian antiquities, historical amulets, and Viking Age jewellery.
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
9th–11th Century AD
Name of object
Axe — Symbol of Strength, Courage and Protection — 9th–11th Century AD, Amulet
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2023
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
18 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1997
Width
10 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
