Ancient-Jewellery

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Scandinavian Viking gold braided finger ring

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Code: 10972



This is an ancient Scandinavian Viking gold finger ring, dating to the 10th - 11th century A.D. The ring is formed of four lengths of circular-sectioned gold wire, which have been plaited to form the band and then beaten together at their lower edge to form a thick section hoop. Rings of this type tend to be ascribed a 10th to 11th-century date and are relatively rare, though parallels for this piece can be found. Several plaited rings are published by Oman (1974, p. 82, figs. 12B-D) of probable similar date, while three have been reported under the Treasure Act and subsequently recorded on the PAS database (see WILT-C90DD5, NMS-A901E1 and SWYOR-202584). See also examples within the collection of the British Museum- acc. nos. AF.537 and AF.538 (for further information see Graham-Campbell 2011, pp. 259-263) which are ascribed to the same period.

Such rings were a transportable form of bullion wealth, whether used as wedding rings there is very little written account. This ring would certainly be suitable for a man, its construction and hefty use of gold would indicate this. The ring is a good excavated example with no damage or restoration. An ideal ancient ring to be worn again today.

OBJECTFinger Ring

CULTUREScandinavian Viking

DATEc. 10th - 11th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold 

RING SIZE:  9 3/4  (US)    T 1/4  (UK)

SIZE: 25mm x 26mm x 5mm x 2mm

WEIGHT:  7.64 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection, Netherlands.