Scandinavian Viking Jet Bead Amulet

Code: 11101

This is a nice excavated jet bead amulet from an Early-Medieval necklace, dating from the 7th - 10th century. The doughnut-shaped bead is cut and polished from a natural piece of black jet. Jet was considered by the Vikings to be a form of amber, and thus sacred to the goddess Freyja. In Norwegian graves, jet beads tend to appear singly, emphasizing the possibility of their use as an amulet. This example may have been worn singularly on a leather cord, or attached to a colorful bead necklace. A nice bead in good condition.

OBJECT: Bead/Amulet 

CULTURE: Early medieval / Scandinavian Viking

DATE: c. 7th - 10th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Jet

SIZE: 20.12mm x 11.51mm 

WEIGHT: 3.37 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a European private collection, Estonia.