Viking Age Bronze Dragon Head Finial Drekahofud

The Viking Age, c. 793-1066AD, Scandinavia.

Exceptional and extremely rare Viking Age bronze dragon head finial, probably a dagger or knife pommel. The stylized serpent or dragon (Fáfnir, Jörmungandr or Níðhöggr) with a long tapering neck, its mouth depicted agape, with its fire projecting from between its jagged teeth, with a large circular eye above on either side, the pupils raised, the ears flat against its head, with a high crest above. The neck of the dragon is marked with a ring where it was attached to another element, perhaps in wood, which is now lost. The symbol of the dragon (dreki) was common in Viking culture, but perhaps most noticeable as the heads adorning the bow and stern of ornate longships. Here they served as an indicator of power and bravery, with the intention of intimidating the enemy. The Viking Age was the period during the Middle Ages when Vikings undertook large-scale raiding, colonizing, conquest, and trading throughout Europe and reached North America. 

Age-related heavy wear. Corrosion, dirt and soil. Encrusted green and brown patina cover the surface. Size approx. 3,8cm x 1,8cm x 4,3cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection