Viking Bronze Cross Pendant, 10th -11th Century

Description

Heading : Viking Bronze. Cross Pendant. 10th -11th Century

Material: Bronze

Period: Late Viking early medieval

Date: 10th to 11th century

Origin: Northern Europe 

Condition: F+. dark patina. good detail for type

Description: A substantial bronze pendant in the form of a cross in raised relief. showing Christ with nails through his hands and a smaller cross above his head

Size and Weight: 51mm. 6.59g

Features and Provenance:  Previously with a London collector

As the Vikings turned more towards Christianity their Thor’s hammer pendants were replaced by crosses and crucifixes but many would probably ‘hedge their bets by wearing both. The crosses were initially basic but were gradually influenced by designs from other cultures. Simple symmetrical crosses with bulbous ends or decorative knops evolved into crucifixes with stylised images of Christ with disproportionately large hands and cranium.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible