9th-11th century AD. A gold oval pendant with beaded rim, to the centre a filigree interlaced swastika with the ends of each arm in the form of a bird head with long arching beak with filigree decoration above; integral suspension loop with beaded border and pelta pattern between. [A video of this lot is available on the TimeLine Auctions website] 6.83 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a German gentleman; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. Swastika is a Sanskrit word meaning 'it is well' and is a widespread good luck symbol, occurring at its earliest in Europe in Neolithic Crete, and in Asia Minor at Hissarlik in Anatolia. The motif was recurrent in the Greek world from Minoan and Mycenaean periods to Classical times. It is also found in the Celtic world, as well as in the Roman Empire, and is associated the beneficial power of the sun. In Scandinavia it is associated with the god Thor and may represent the thunderbolts that he hurls at giants and other chaotic forces.

Extremely fine condition.