Rare Viking Bronze Braided Belt w/ Belt Buckles

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse peoples, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A wonderfully preserved bronze belt made of tightly looping oval bronze rings with two long rectangular bronze buckles, one of which is split into two pieces. The buckles have fine incised/stamped geometric designs that resemble arrows and the waning moon. The bronze patina on this piece is beautifully deep blue-green, representing the oxidation of copper in the bronze alloy to form azurite. Size: 44.75" L x 0.9" H (113.7 cm x 2.3 cm); 15.2" H (38.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The Vikings - groups of people who left Scandinavia to plunder and colonize northern Europe (and who travelled as far afield as northeastern North America and the great kingdoms of the Middle East) - had a distinctive artistic tradition, although many of the metals that they had were acquired through conquest and the bronze for this belt likely was melted down from other bronze objects, perhaps some acquired by looting a monastery or trading in the Mediterranean. A belt like this one could have been used by either men or women, both of whom wore heavy layers of wool clothing that closed using brooches and belted at the waist.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2018; ex-private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Farrow collection, UK acquired on European art market

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#151166
Condition Report: Almost fully intact, with one part of the belt buckle now in two pieces and displayed. The chain is in excellent condition with some small areas of bending to form. Beautiful patina!