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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ancient Art / Viking Era Rare Himinhrjótr-Bull-Head Belt Fitting...
A piece of the past, made to be worn Rare Himinhrjótr-Bull-Head Belt Fitting & Pendant Collector’s Piece – ca. 9th–11th Century AD Object Type: Zoomorphic Belt Fitting / Suspension Element / Pendant Culture: Scandinavian / Norse Period: Viking Age, proposed ca. 9th–11th Century AD Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze Technique: Cast, Pierced and Hand-Finished Form: Stylised Bovid Head with Opposing Curved Horns, Lateral Ears and Perforated Attachment Section Dimensions Height: 23.83 mm ± Width: 15.77 mm ± Depth: 10.93 mm ± Weight: 4.53 g A Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate may be requested prior to shipment and prepared as a physical hard copy; all shipments are fully insured, warm museum-inspired lighting was used during photography to emphasize the object's surface, zoomorphic modelling and historic character naturally, and the suspension cord and other display accessories visible in the photographs are used exclusively for presentation and are not included with the object. Description This rare cast metal-alloy fitting presents a powerfully stylised bull or bovid head, defined by opposing curved horns, lateral ears and an elongated muzzle. Its perforations and rear attachment arrangement indicate a probable original function as a belt or strap suspension element, while its compact sculptural form makes it particularly effective for pendant display. Viking-period museum collections preserve cast and pierced zoomorphic fittings associated with belts, straps and suspension systems. Animal ornament was fundamental to Viking visual culture, where highly stylised creatures were incorporated into functional metalwork. The pronounced horned imagery also permits comparison with the bovine symbolism preserved in Old Norse tradition. Particularly notable is Himinhrjótr, the great bull belonging to Hymir whose head Þórr uses as bait during his famous fishing encounter with Jǫrmungandr. The object cannot be identified definitively as a representation of Himinhrjótr; nevertheless, its emphatically horned bovine form can reasonably be considered within the broader Norse mythological and zoomorphic tradition. Its compact sculptural construction, distinctive silhouette and functional perforations make it an exceptional collector’s piece of Viking-period zoomorphic metalwork. Information The object has been documented using high-resolution imaging equipment, with its physical structure and form left entirely unaltered; only limited color-balance adjustments have been applied to ensure visual accuracy. As high-resolution imagery may influence the perception of scale, the photographs should always be considered together with the stated measurements. Statements concerning dating, original function, cultural attribution, iconographic interpretation and material identification represent academic assessments based on typological comparison, comparative museum material and expert opinion; definitive conclusions would require direct physical and, where appropriate, laboratory examination. The presentation and sale of this object are conducted in accordance with principles of transparency, scholarly consistency and good faith, and no object is knowingly presented as a copy or imitation. Upon request prior to shipment, a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name may also be provided. If requested prior to dispatch, the Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate will be prepared as a physical hard copy and included with the shipment.
Estimate:£127.23
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorAncient Art
Estimate:
£127.23
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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