Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. A heavy bronze torc (torq / torque) made of a thick bronze wire coiled tightly into a spiral design. The terminals are two twisted pieces of bronze wire, each formed into a loop. Size: 8.3" W (21.1 cm)

The Vikings - groups of people who left Scandinavia to plunder and colonize northern Europe (and who travelled as far afield as northeastern North America and the great kingdoms of the Middle East) - had a distinctive artistic tradition, although many of the metals that they had were acquired through conquest and the bronze for this torc likely was melted down from other bronze objects, perhaps some acquired by looting a monastery or trading in the Mediterranean. Bronze jewelry also served as a form of easily transported coinage; this piece would have spoken to the wealth of its owner.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#128529

Nice dark brown and green patina on surface. Very small cracks at terminal ends.