**First Time At Auction**

Northern Europe, Viking / Norse culture, ca. late 9th century CE. An incredible bracelet made of thick bronze wire, forming a double loop for the bracelet in a sinuous serpent form, with the head of the serpent drilled through and the thin tail of the serpent inserted through the hole to form a permanent clasp. The bracelet itself is stamped repeatedly with dots and lines, creating the impression of a textured snakeskin, particularly on the serpent's head. Five thin bands of stamped silver are wrapped around the bronze wire at broadly-spaced intervals on the snake's body. Wearable! Size: 3.35" W (8.5 cm)

The serpent form may relate to the Norse myth of Jormungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jormungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jormungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor's fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor's line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jörmungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century. This serpent bracelet may recall that story.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#141494

Dark patina on surface. Excellent preservation of form. Wearable!