9th C. Viking Bronze Key w/ Openwork Bow

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. A wonderful example of a bronze key with a decorative open work bow handle in a circular form. The interlacing bow consists of a stylized form of a sinuous animal and covered with a rich green patina. Bronze keys, worn on a belt around the waist or as another form of ornamentation, were status symbols for Viking peoples and are frequently found in their graves. This type of key was used for turnkey and push locks, and married women were often given symbolic keys to wear on her belt as a sign of this new status and power. The keys also unlocked the house doors or chests that held valuables of her new household she oversaw. Verso is flat and unadorned. Size: 2.125" L x 1.25" W (5.4 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#167439
Condition Report: Professionally cleaned. Intact and excellent with rich green patina.