Scandinavian Viking Jet Glass Bead Amulet

Code: 11153

This is a nice excavated jet glass bead amulet from an Early-Medieval necklace, dating from the 7th - 10th century. The glass bead is molded or spun into a doughnut shape, imitation of a rare any costly jet example. 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 excavated condition.

OBJECT: Bead/Amulet 

CULTURE: Early medieval / Scandinavian Viking

DATE: c. 7th - 10th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Jet glass

SIZE: 16.59mm x 8.94mm 

WEIGHT: 3.10 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a European private collection, Estonia.