維京時代 銀 奥丁乌鸦头护身符吊坠，罕见

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.

Viking Age, rare silver amulet pendant formed as a stylised bird representing a Raven. The elongated body is slightly curved and tapers towards the lower end, which terminates in a small rounded head with a subtly curved beak. A circular punched depression marks the eye.

The surface of the body is decorated on both sides with numerous ring-and-dot punch marks arranged in irregular rows, possibly representing stylised plumage. The upper part features a suspension hole, allowing the pendant to be worn on a cord or chain.

-> Ravens were closely associated with the god Odin, whose two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, were believed to travel the world and bring him knowledge. Small bird-shaped pendants such as this were worn as personal amulets and may have served both decorative and protective functions.

-> The raven is a powerful symbol representing wisdom, knowledge, power, and magic. In Norse belief it could also represent prophecy and insight, acting as a messenger between the human world and the divine.

Length: ± 40,1 mm (excluding suspension ring)

Condition: good solid condition, wearable with a modern silver ring. Surface shows age-related wear with attractive patina and minor irregularities from manufacture and long-term use. Clear decorative punch marks remain visible.

Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format) for all items with a hammer price of € 100 or more.

-> The raven motif was widely used among Germanic peoples during the Migration Period and later in the Viking Age. In Norse culture the raven was closely connected with Odin, sometimes referred to as the Raven God. Raven imagery appears on banners, jewellery, and other artefacts throughout the early medieval northern European world.
Raven banners were used by Ragnar Lothbrok (Reafan) and King Harald Hardrada.

In several ancient cultures and mythology, ravens are messengers of the gods and connect the material world with the world of spirits.


Material:
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.