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Hajar | all galleries >> Viking Age Art >> Viking Age Art Styles > Is the figure in this elongate pendant (5 cm) Odin or is it Christ? A variety of ring chain extends below bearded figure.
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25-OCT-2013

Is the figure in this elongate pendant (5 cm) Odin or is it Christ? A variety of ring chain extends below bearded figure.

The hands appear to be joined in front, which is not consistent with a Christ figure. There is a possibility that this is an image of Odin's self-sacrifice on Yggdrasil. See the discussion of the Borre-style chape illustrated on this page and this article: http://lifeartearth.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-viking-sword-chape-and-havamal-story.html

"A further distinguishing Borre motif is the symmetrical, double contoured ring-chain.This composition consists of a chain of interlacing circles, divided by transverse bars and overlaid by lozenges. Occasionally, the ring-chain terminates in a high-relief animal head, as on strap fittings from Borre and Gokstad, Norway (Wilson and Klindt-Jensen 1966, Pl. 30b)." from Kershaw (2010).

This amulet is well worn, but traces of silvering remain in recessed areas. Remains of a rusted iron suspension loop are present.

Sony Alpha 77
1/15s f/14.0 at 105.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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