9th-10th century AD. A silver pendant in the form of a bearded male head with large staring eyes, small nose and curling moustache; forked beard below and vegetation motif springing from the brow to the suspension ring. 6.57 grams, 36mm (1 1/2"). Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. Cf. Arwidsson, G. Birka II: 3 Systematische Analysen der Gräberfunde, Uppsala, 1986, page 27, Fig. 3:26. The identification of this head is not fully known though it has been described as being the god Loki, or, more probably, that of Odin. A similar example was found at Gnezdovo, an important Varangian centre of ancient Russia that flourished between the ninth and eleventh centuries. Another example was found in a grave at Härad, Sweden and is now in the Historiska Museet. [No Reserve]

Very fine condition, one side of loop absent. Rare.