Recently Sold (PGP192)

Nótte Lopt - Rare Viking 8th-11th Century Silver Crescent Moon Amulet Pendant.  This amazing artifact is crafted from silver. Featuring a stunning silver crescent Lunar moon., and an authentic ancient Viking design.  The pendant has a wonderful shape with fantastic detail.  A decorative fluted detail throughout the moon and bale, with decorative animal symbolism, which is believed to be dragons.  This particular piece is solid and substantial, with a magnificent original aged patina. The back is plain , however still showcasing the beautiful patina. The bale is solid and sturdy, an extremely well preserved artifact indeed. I have matched up a leather cord to the piece, which works beautifully with this wonderful piece of history.

Note: Nótte Lopt: means night sky in Old Norse language. 

History: The Viking Age (793–1066 AD) was the period during the Middle Ages when Norsemen known as Vikings undertook large-scale raiding, colonizing, conquest and trading throughout Europe, and reached North America. It followed the Migration Period and the Germanic Iron Age.

The Vikings originated from the area that became modern-day Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. They settled in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Greenland, North America, and parts of the European mainland, among other places.

The Vikings certainly knew the power and symbolism of the dragon. There are depictions on buildings, carved into runestones and created in fine jewellery. The dragon, or serpent, was most likely thought to convey the ideas of strength and bravery. So wearing a dragon motif would symbolize these ideas.

Máni (Old Norse: [ˈmɑːne]; "Moon") is the Moon personified in Germanic mythology. ... Both sources state that he is the brother of the personified sun, Sól, and the son of Mundilfari, while the Prose Edda adds that he is followed by the children Hjúki and Bil through the heavens.

Lunula is an ancient Slavic and Viking female amulet. It symbolizes fertility, happy life and good luck. As the Moon has been always associated with female nature, the Lunula pendant is able to connect your female energy with lunar cycle. ... This viking silver pendant

Paganism was originally a pejorative and derogatory term for polytheism, implying its inferiority. Paganism has broadly connoted the "religion of the peasantry". During and after the Middle Ages, the term paganism was applied to any unfamiliar religion, and the term presumed a belief in false god(s).

Comments: A very fine example of museum quality Viking jewelry. Museums strongly suggest that the aged patina is not to be removed in order to preserve the history and integrity of the artifact. It is recommended that the artifact is not immersed into any cleaners or liquid, or nor should it be polished.  To clean only use water on a damp (not saturated) soft cloth. Gently wipe the amulet and use a soft dry cloth to pat dry. 

This particular example can be associated with both mani or Lunula, therefore suitable for a man or woman.  

Measurements:  Pendant 42.00 mm x 32.00 mm  (including bale)      Leatherette Cord  17" -19"  An extender can be added for additional length upon request. 

Weight: 7.10 grams 

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

Origin: Europe,  Scandinavia

Date: 8th -11th Century