9th-12th century AD. A pendant formed from the canine tooth of a wolf or large dog, pierced for suspension. Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, plate LVIII, item 10; Griciuviene, E., Seliai, The Selonians, Vilnius, 2007, items 606, 611, 618. 14.9 grams, 61mm wide (2 1/2"). Private collection of Mr M B., Mainz, Germany, 1990s. Property of a London businessman. Many scholars hold the view that Viking-era pendants from animal fangs and claws are associated with religion, especially with Fenrir, son wolf of the god Loki. They were also made from the teeth of other predators (bears, dogs, and foxes), although tooth pendants of the period also include specimens made from a wild boar or a domestic pig fang, a beaver tooth, a horse milk tooth, and a hawk claw.

Fine condition.