Recently Sold (PGP176)

Silvery Moon - Ancient Viking 8th - 11th Century Silver Lunar Crescent Moon Amulet. This rare pendant is crafted from a high grade silver, tested. The superb Viking antiquity features lovely decoration and detail. The shape of this pendant is absolutely fantastic,  a gorgeous crescent moon leading down to a cross. The moon and the cross display wonderful granule decoration ( a characteristic found in Ancient jewelry) whilst the back is plain with beautiful aged silver patina throughout.  The bale is solid and sturdy, with added silver rings which adds nice movement and protection to the original bale.  The rare amulet has been matched up to a contemporary black leatherette adjustable cord, which looks perfect with the pendant.  The artifact is in fantastic condition, it is solid, and substantial and in very fine condition with an outstanding aged patina. Truly a very special historical and artistic piece that would make a wonderful gift or addition to any collection. 

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.

Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Its adherents, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, called the Old Testament in Christianity, and chronicled in the New Testament.

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. 

Note: This particular design with the Lunar Moon and the Cross suggests that it would have been executed in the latter part of the Viking era , due tp the fact that the Lunar moons symbolism stands for Freya, Norse Goddess of magic who taught Odin secret skills. combined with the cross , which represents Christianity. The Vikings in this time period were starting to embrace Christianity, however they were still holding on to their faith of the Pagan Gods.  This amulet is a perfect example of this transitional period. 

Measurements:  Pendant 40.00 mm x 26.00 mm    Black cord:  17" - 19"

Weight: 7.80 grams

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

Origin: Northern Europe     Provenance:  Poland from private collection. 

Date: 8th-11th Century