FINE AND RARE VIKING SORCERESS' AMULET NECKLACE

9th-11th century AD. Bronze in seven articulated elements including three well-detailed duck’s feet. The body is an inverted heart with scrolled field defining another heart. A burial at Viden, Denmark contained the body of a woman of wealth and status buried with henbane seeds, which have hallucinogenic properties, and a wand as well as other objects. From these, archeologists concluded that she was a seeress or sorceress. (Among Vikings, only women practiced sorcery.) The grave contained a necklace hung with three duck feet pendants very similar to this. Crisp with a frosty surface textured from burial. Professionally refurbished with the silver surface restored, on an 18” Sterling silver neck chain for modern wear. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.