Viking Period Gold & Agate Elf Shot Pendant

This incredible Viking period gold & agate elf shot pendant is a superb example of a fascinating piece of jewellery steeped in history dating back to the 9^th – 10^th century. The gold pendant top has been finely crafted to a very high standard, comprising of a gold cylinder attached to an openwork dome. A barrel shaped orange agate is inserted into the metalwork resulting in a fine and intriguing piece of historic jewellery. A part of our ancient jewellery collection.

Elf shot pendants were worn by men and women in Viking and Anglo Saxon societies to worn off elves from shooting arrows at them. They believed that if they had a pain that couldn’t be explained such as rheumatism or arthritis, the cause was invisible elves shooting poison arrows at them that may eventually prove fatal. Gold jewellery was also a show of wealth and could be used as currency.

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions. 18 x 6mm
Weight. 0.75 grams
Tests as 22k gold

ERA
9^th – 10^th Century

CONDITION
Good. This Viking period gold & agate elf shot pendant is in lovely condition and is a superb example of jewellery from this era and culture. The metalwork is in overall good condition, two gold strands of gold are bent and there is a small resin repair. The agate is in excellent order and may not be original, it is set firmly into place in the metal structure. Overall the pendant is in great condition, only showing some minor imperfections usual with age.

We are unable to offer our usual 2 year guarantee with ancient items.