Fine Viking Gilded Bronze Coiled Snake Pendant

Northern Europe, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 8th to 11th century CE. A petite, cast-copper pendant in the form of a tightly coiled snake. The circular serpent is suspended from a thick copper ring fed through its coiled tail area and pokes its spade-shaped head out atop its spiraled midsection. Attractive areas of gilding adorn the circular patterns stamped across the obverse side and imbue it with an opulent presentation. Size (pendant): 0.875" W x 1.3" H (2.2 cm x 3.3 cm); (w/ ring): 2.2" H (5.6 cm)

The serpent form may relate to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jormungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jormungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jormungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Kaliningrad (Koenigsberg) and then Latvia collection; found on the Baltic Sea coast prior to 1982

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#153998
Condition Report: Minor abrasions to pendant and ring, with chipping and light fading to original gilding, softening to some finer details, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina and great remains of original gilding.