RARE VIKING FORKED ARROWHEAD, 10th-11th CENTURY AD

Over 3 3/8" length, iron with U shaped point. Each side of two points of thick section with the inner edges sharpened. Spread foot to seat in the shaft and cylindrical tang. Very rare. Other examples are recorded mostly sketched from burial finds in archaeological literature. See European Arrowheads and Crossbow Bolts, Rau, p. 105.  Their use is a matter of speculation. It seems most likely that they were used for demonstrations of skill, probably with spiritual significance. The weight here would generate sufficient impact to cut a formidable target.