Superb Viking Silver Fibula in Serpent Form

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. late 9th century CE. A fantastical brooch made from 97.34% solid silver in the form of a coiled snake that instantly reminds the viewer of a central figure in Norse mythology. The snake's head emerges from one side, with defined eyes that may once have had petite inlays like garnets or enamel. On the unadorned verso is a pin and clasp, with the pin held in place by a silver nail. Size: 1.3" W x 2.4" H (3.3 cm x 6.1 cm); 3.7" H (9.4 cm) on included custom stand; quality of silver: 97.34%; total weight: 35.2 grams

The serpent form probably relates 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 terrified 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.

See two similar examples, one at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm (108917. SHM 34000:Bj 844), the other in the Örebro Läns Museum in Örebro, Sweden (OLM-22461-14).

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection, acquired in May 2017; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167008
Condition Report: Light patina and tarnish on surfaces. Pin is present but nonfunctional.