Lot 4152

Description

Type C bracteate from the Migration Period. In the centre, a head (Odin?) with a curved hairstyle that turns upwards at the nape of the neck and merges into a bird's head (raven?). Below which an animal with an open mouth, front and hind legs and a tail (possibly Sleipnir, Odin's horse?). A bird in front of the forehead (one of Odin's ravens? – Hugin or Munin). Between the hairstyle at the back of the head and the upward curving bird's head that emerges from it, signs that can be interpreted as runes. A cross in the field between the bird's head and the animal's tail. The pictorial representation is enclosed by a frame of opposing hatched triangles, bordered on the inside by one and on the outside by two circular lines. The edge of the bracteate is bordered on the outside by a barbed wire. A barrel-shaped, moulded handle soldered to the top, with two flutes between three ribs. Height with handle 49.5 mm. Diameter without handle 44.5 mm. Weight 10.55 g. Slight partial abrasion to the barbed wire surrounding the bracteate. Typical representative of what are referred to as C-bracteates. In excellent condition. The gold bracteates are one of the most important sources on the early history and culture of the North Germanic peoples. A reliable interpretation of the content of the images has not yet been possible and is still the subject of controversial debate among researchers.

Condition: I Questions about the lot?