VIKING SILVER THOR'S HAMMER
Ca. 900-1100 AD.
A stunning silver pendant in the shape of a Mjölnir (Thor's hammer) decorated with engraved dots and crosses. Good condition. Thor's hammer pendants were worn as religious amulets throughout the Viking era; they were usually made of silver and hung on silver chains. Thor was a prominent Norse god and his Mjölnir is depicted in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, capable of levelling mountains. Though generally recognised and depicted as a hammer, Mjölnir is sometimes referred to as an axe or club. This item is in wearable condition and it comes with a modern necklace cord. To find out more about the Vikings and their art, see Graham-Campbell, J. (2013). Viking Art. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd. For more information on Viking Jewellery, see Arbman, H. (1940). Birka I Die Gräber. Uppsala and Hubbard, B. (2016) The Viking Warrior. Amber Books Ltd, London, 61-65.
Size: L:65mm / W:45mm ; 30g
Provenance: Property of a European private collector; formerly acquired from UK private collection.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000