VIKING LUNAR PENDANT, 10TH-11TH CENTURY AD

Over 1 ¼” width. Bronze or similar alloy, cast, and chased in detail as the crescent moon with raised pelleted edge and nubs in the field. Plain back. Tubular stringing loop to the top. One terminal was broken and two distinct diagonal creases from having been bent and straightened. Those damages were part of the funerary ritual for its owner. The damage or loss is typical of Viking desecration of metal objects upon death, which had supernatural significance to their owners. Lunar pendants were amulets honoring Sol the sun and Mani the moon, which were fundamental for farming as well as navigation. The loop intact and could be attached to a neck chain or cord.