Extremely rare Early Medieval gold “Open” ring type with Elder Futhark Runic Inscription between two face-masks of Odin. Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology, was known for his wisdom, war, and poetry. Probably the following runic script: Ingwaz (ᛜ) / Odal (ᛟ) / Odal (ᛟ) / Jera (ᛃ) The name Ingwaz (ᛜ) is derived from the Proto-Germanic. It is believed to have been another name for the god Freyr, and is associated with fertility and prosperity. The Elder Futhark Odal rune (ᛟ), also known as Othala rune, means literally: “Homeland” or “Ancestral Lot” – Esoteric: Inheritance, estate, noble. Jera (ᛃ) is the fifth rune of the second Aett in the Futhark alphabet. It represents the symbolism of the spiral pattern of time. It associates the forward movement of time through our hopes, dreams and fears, and the backward movement through our memories. Jera represents the completion of a cycle, season or year. These carvings were likely done during the time of the Norsemen. They used to engrave objects with symbols often meaning: protection, power, primal strength, courage, obstacles and victory. Material: High carat gold (16,3K with XRF-scan) Weight: 2,60 grams Date: Early medieval, Pre-Viking 6th – 8th century AD Measurement: overall: 20 x 21 mm, ringsize: 17-18 mm Condition: Good, see pictures Certificate of authenticity + ring box included. International registered Delivery. Provenance: The Supplier warrants that it has obtained this lot in a legal manner. From a private Dutch collection collected since 1990's; acquired on the European art market in the 90's. Important information: The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.