VIKING LUNAR PENDANT, 10TH-11TH CENTURY AD

Over 3/4” width. Bronze or similar alloy, cast, and chased in detail as the crescent moon with raised edges, double on the bottom and six globes in the field. The terminals, originally representing Sol the sun and Mani the moon, were removed as is the suspension loop. 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.