Viking Age or Medieval Bronze Cross Fragments

Viking Age or Medieval Period, 793-1400AD, Europe

A captivating set of four small cast bronze cross fragments, each featuring elegantly expanded circular terminals. These rare relics originate from the Viking Age or Medieval Period, a transformative era spanning from 793 to 1400 AD, marked by exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange across Europe and beyond.

During this time, Vikings embarked on vast trading and raiding expeditions, reaching as far as North America, while the medieval world saw the rise and fall of empires, shaping the foundations of modern Europe. Bronze crosses such as these were often worn as symbols of faith, protection, and status, making them not only exquisite artifacts but also a testament to the spiritual and artistic expressions of the time.

Vikings and medieval societies adorned themselves with jewelry, incorporating intricate metalwork into their daily attire. Both men and women, regardless of status, wore necklaces, arm rings, brooches, and pendants—some purely ornamental, others with functional purposes. These cross fragments may have once belonged to a larger, ornate piece worn by a noble or warrior, serving as both decoration and devotion.

A remarkable addition to any collection, these cross fragments provide a tangible link to a world of faith, craftsmanship, and history. Ideal for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of Viking and medieval artifacts.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted green patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Size varies from 2,0cm to 1,0cm. Sell as a set.

Provenance: Dutch private collection.

References and further reading:

Clothing in the Viking Age, Hurstwic, William R. Shor, 1999-2023 (https://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/daily_living/text/clothing.htm)

Tracing Textile Production from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages: Tools, Textiles, Texts and Contexts, Ingvild Øye, Oxbow Books, 2022. (https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2mm1xqj.)

Textiles in a Viking Age hoard: Identifying ephemeral traces of textiles in metal corrosion products, Mary Davis & Susanna Harris, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 48, 2023. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103796.)

Viking and Early Middle Ages Northern Scandinavian Textiles Proven to be made with Hemp, G. Skoglund, M. Nockert & B. Holst, Sci Rep 3, 2686 (2013). (https://doi.org/10.1038/srep02686)