Northern Europe, Anglo-Saxon, Frankish, or Viking / Norse, ca. 6th to 11th century CE. A fascinating object, a miniature 24 karat gold situla (or bucket, or basket) with a granulated strap handle. There are bands of filigree ropework on the top and bottom of the body, forming a border with granules in repeated triangular shapes within it around the body. On the base are further triangular granule clusters around a central granule cross motif. Granulated gold items were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status in northern and western Europe at this time. Size: 0.4" W x 0.7" H (1 cm x 1.8 cm); (3.3 g)

Like many objects from this time period, it is difficult to place this into a specific culture because there was so much movement of goods, especially high value ones, between different groups. For example, almost identical gold items to this one have been found in the Hoen hoard, Norway's largest find of Viking gold, but the hoard contained items from the Franks, Romans, Byzantines, Anglo-Saxons, and the Arabic world. Bronze examples of these miniature situlae have also been found in hoards in Vimose bog, Denmark, and Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Researchers have theorized that they represent large wooden buckets used in the world of the Franks, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings to hold mead or ale. Those buckets were used to replenish individual drinks during feasts. These small pendants were probably symbolic of that activity, representing endless abundance.

Provenance: private New York City, New York, USA collection

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#123108

Slight deformation to form. Granules are in excellent condition. Cord shown in photograph is not included.