VIKING SORCERESS’S PENDANT NECKLACE, 10th-11th CENTURY AD

About 1 3/8” total height. In six pieces. The body with an arch, probably a reference to the Rota Fortuna (Wheel of Fortune) which carried on from the Roman/Byzantine culture, enclosing a quatrefoil figure, surely of mystical form, with significance now lost. Delicate scrolling foliage below suspends five duck’s feet of alternating lengths. 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. The grave contained a necklace hung with three duck’s feet pendants very similar to this. Professionally refurbished with the silver surface restored, on a 3mm Sterling silver neck chain for modern wear. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.