维京时代 银 带螺旋形端子的扭矩颈部或臂环

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Viking Age, silver torque made from a single rod of silver which has been expertly twisted, and ending in two spirals.

-> The size indicates it was probably worn as bracelet on the wrist or arm. The spirals on this bracelet were a popular motif, symbolic of life cycles and rebirth.

Inside diameter: ± 94,5 mm (widest point)
Condition: good and solid condition, signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).

-> Worn proudly by legendary chieftains, torques of this type were highly valued personal ornaments in Viking society.
Crafted with meticulous artistry, they served both as adornment and as marks of allegiance and achievement. They symbolized leadership, divine connection, and the refined craftsmanship of the Norse metalworking tradition.

Usually made of bronze, silver, or occasionally gold, they could be plain or twisted in form, and were worn by both men and women. In the Viking Age, such jewellery was not only decorative, but could also reflect personal identity, regional style, and social standing.

-> Twisted torques are especially characteristic of early medieval metalwork, where the spiral form demonstrated both aesthetic taste and skilled craftsmanship. In some cases, precious-metal neck rings also functioned as portable wealth, linking jewellery with gift-giving, trade, and the display of prestige within Viking society.


-> The spiral is one of the oldest symbols of human spirituality. Spiral motifs appear in ancient carvings and painted rock art dating back thousands of years The infinite, twisting spiral was a favourite of the ancient Greeks and Celts and has continued to influence artists, thinkers and designers for millennia.

It is thought to represent growth, expansion, cosmic energy and a symbol of the sun, and it has been suggested to be linked to birth or rebirth. Spirals have been found in burial sites, in vases, in jewellery, clothing, weapons and buildings.

Throughout history, the spiral has been a highly valued design in Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking art, and continues to be appreciated to this day.


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.