Viking Elf Shot Gold Pendant with Blue Glass

£ 425.00

A vibrant Viking gold elf shot pendant featuring a large blue glass drop. The gold casing, formed from hammered sheet metal, encases the vivid glass pendant. There is a loop attachment at the top for suspension.

Date: Circa 9th-12th Century AD
Condition: Good condition. Scratchings on glass and minor glue residue under one of the curved edges. Some indentations to the gold caused by age.

SOLD

SKU: HB-14 Category:

During the Viking Era both men and women enjoyed wearing jewellery as an indicator of wealth and social status; wearing the pieces kept their wealth safe and secure. Jewellery was also used as a currency for trade; therefore, most Vikings preferred their jewellery made from precious metals. Depending on the transaction, jewellery may have been broken up to accommodate for a more appropriate price/deal.

Pendants and amulets also held spiritual connections and were said to have bestowed the owner with protection and support. Elf Shot pendants, such as this example, were worn to warn off invisible elves from shooting arrows on people or animals, resulting in internal shooting pains including cramping and arthritis. It was believed that men shot by these invisible arrows would not recover and soon die. There would be no physical evidence of the wounds on the skin, resulting in more credibility to the elves and arrow theory. Therefore, pendants were highly valued for the protection granted to their owners.

Weight 1.1 g
Dimensions L 1.9 x W 1.0 cm
Culture

Glass

Metal

Region

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