A pair of silver Viking strap ends, featuring incised and openwork decoration. Both strap ends are tongue-shaped, with slightly concave sides, curving in at the centre before flaring out to meet a rectangular opening on one end and a curved terminal on the other. The obverse has been intricately decorated with incised lines surrounding and partially outlining the perforations of varying shapes, interspersed with ring-and-dot motifs throughout. A band of linear incisions features on the obverse of the opening, the middle of which displays a rivet hole for attachment onto fabric. The reverse is plain and unworked. Encrustations, tarnishing, patina, and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, chipping, and cracks. Both Viking men and women enjoyed wearing jewellery and other adornments as an indicator of wealth and social status. Appliqués of this type, were used in Viking society to decorate garments and were modelled using different techniques. Jewellery held a second purpose; most Vikings would have preferred their jewellery to have been made from precious metals with the intention to be used as a currency for trade, and wearing these pieces kept their wealth safe and secure. Strap ends were a common accessory and would be attached to leather or cloth straps to stop them from fraying. Measurements: (circa) L 4.4cm x W 0.9cm Provenance: Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.