Here's an opportunity to buy a genuine Viking bronze buckle, dating to around 800 A.D. An extremely rare piece in superb condition, showing the form of a raven, the animal associated with Odin, father of the Norse pantheon and god of wisdom, victory and death. Migration Period (Dark Age) art is revered for its use of revelatory designs, abstracted natural motifs and hidden patterns, this fascinating piece is no exception.
Of attractive form, the frame is 'D' shaped in plan, decorated in a dotted motif. The attaching arm, also adorned with the same intricate dotted pattern, shows unmistakable zoomorphic elements in the form of a long hooked beak. Though we cannot be certain, as Norse metalsmiths were masters of hiding signs and symbols in their work, the animal being depicted is almost certainly a raven.
The raven was a hugely important animal in the Viking world due to their association with the god Odin, who owned two pet ravens, Huginn and Muninn (thought and memory). Their role was to fly all around the world, Midgard, and bring information back to their master. References are often made to Odin as the 'raven god' due to this association. The Vikings even emblazoned their war banners with the bird, known as the 'landwaster' (hrafnsmerki).
The Vikings burst from their Scandinavian homelands to colonise new lands, trade over seemingly impossible distances, fight with brave ferocity and establish themselves across the known world. Worn by a member of this remarkable society, this facinating and rare piece survives as an vestige of an enigmatic age of exploration and conquest.
Condition: Excellent, unrestored.
Dimension: 1 3/8 inches.