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 a semicircle surrounding a raised bezel with red “stone”. The border with punch decoration, probably representing the moon. A burial at Fyrkat, 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 24karat gold surface restored, on an 18” gilt Sterling silver neck chain for modern wear. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.