Northern Europe, Pre-Viking / Migration era, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A stunning gold bracteate pendant in a disc shape with a repousse motif of a human face in profile with a horse below. The sheet is a 90% gold (equivalent to 21K+) that is hammered flat then embossed to create the linear and stippled imagery. The imagery is categorized as a Type C and is believed to represent the Norse deity Odin. The oversized face of the god rests atop a highly stylized horse or horned animal. This bracteate likely had an integral suspension loop at the top for wearing. Size: 1.02" Diameter (2.6 cm); gold quality: 90% (equivalent to 21K+); weight: 1.6 grams

A gorgeous example with a similar depiction of Odin and horse of the Type C known as the Vadsrena Bracteate was discovered in Sweden in 1774 CE and was the most famous for its inscription in full Elder Futhark runic alphabet surrounding the central motif of Odin on horseback.

For another similar example please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 2001.583.

Provenance: private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#167456

Missing suspension loop or ring. Loss to upper periphery of as shown. Bending and creasing of form. Professionally cleaned and motif is very sharp.