Skjaldmær

Item

Pure gold Viking belt tongue, 900 - 1100 AD, set in a gold pendant with enamel and rubies.  Mounted on a gold wire choker.

About

The Vikings who raided Britain from the 8th century onward were known for their fine clothing and beautifully wrought jewellery.  They took great pride in their appearance.

This belt tongue is an exquisite example of filigree work by a medieval goldsmith.  It tests over 21-carat in purity and would have been worn by a person from the Warrior Noble or Chieftain class.  

"Skjaldmær" is named after the shield-maidens or female warriors who voyaged to England and Central Europe in the 10th century.

One piece available.  Gold wire choker included, or necklace customised upon request.

Centrepiece

The tongue is a slender 30 x 16mm with astonishingly delicate gold rope and ball filigree.  It is hard to imagine the dexterity, skill and patience in hand crafting such an object 1,000 years ago.   There is minor loss to the filigree work in the upper right corner.

In the medieval style the belt would be knotted and the gold tongue would hang down the front of the clothing, forming an exceptionally elegant decoration.  This artefact was acquired from a private collection and checked against the Art Loss Register.

Details

• Necklace length:   Customised upon request
• Pendant dimension: 26mm x 42mm
• Pendant weight: 7.9g
• Materials:  Ancient gold, 14-carat gold, enamel, ruby
• Care instructions supplied upon enquiry
• Enquire to purchase