VIKING PROTECTIVE BROOCH NECKLACE, 10th CENTURY AD
A6104
Regular price
$225.00
Sale
Silvered bronze. Over 1 1/4" diameter. Circular with transverse banding and scrolls. The decoration is obscured by texture from burial. The top and bottom with the universal shaking hands motif (dexiosis) which is known in art for at least two millennia. Among Vikings, it was a borrowed artistic symbol probably from the Levant or North Africa. When fastened to the jerkin, these small metal brooches provided a measure of protection against sword cuts and, in fact, were a form of armor. See current Public Television programming for documentation of these in action. As protectors, they also held spiritual significance for the warrior. Professionally refurbished with the silver overlay restored and suspended from a Sterling silver neck chain. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.