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

Over 2 1/4” (2.40”) height including the suspension loop. In seven pieces with a graduated conical body with triple pique clusters at the 12th points to the top, probably a reference to the Rota Fortuna (Wheel of Fortune) which carried on from the Roman/Byzantine culture. The bottom suspended with three finely delineated duck’s feet on oval suspensions. 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. Among Vikings, sorcery was practiced by women only. It was specifically considered to be unmanly. Professionally refurbished with the silver surface restored, on a Sterling silver mounted polished leather neck cord for modern wear. Jewelry gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.