Recently Sold (PGP208)

Lunula - Ancient Viking 8th -11th Century Bronze Crescent Moon Amulet.  This wonderful pendant is crafted from bronze, featuring edged detail and a beautiful aged bronze patina. The amulet has a lovely shape and a fantastic solid bail, matched to a contemporary leatherette cord. The front of the crescent moon is stamped with solar symbols, and a plain back. The black leatherette cord has a gold colored secure screw type clasp, in perfect working order. This amulet is truly a rare antiquity, which would make a very special gift or wonderful addition to any jewelry collection. 

History: The Vikings were a seafaring people from the late eighth to early 11th century who established a name for themselves as traders, explorers and warriors. They discovered the Americas long before Columbus and could be found as far east as the distant reaches of Russia.

Around 3000 BC, the manufacture of bronze spread from the early Mesopotamian cities to Persia where it was commonly used to create weapons, ornaments and fittings for chariots. One of the earliest well dated bronze objects, a knife, was found in the Gansu province of China which had been cast in a mold.

The Vikings chose Christianity during the 900s, partly because of the extensive trade networks with Christian areas of Europe, but also particularly as a result of increasing political and religious pressure from the German empire to the south. By the end of the Viking period, around 1050, most Vikings were Christians.

Measurements Pendant (including the bale) 22.50 mm x 22.00 mm    Leatherette cord 19" long

Weight: 4.00 grams

Condition: Excellent Note: Very fine state of preservation.  Artifacts should be treated as a luxury item, can be worn with care. 

Origin: Northern Europe     Provenance: Private Collection 

Date: 8th-11th Century