VIKING CHIEFTAIN’S FUNERARY RING, 9TH CENTURY

The broken half of a fine Viking coil ring, with high broad edges. The terminal with transverse lines and edge notches. The broken edge showing evidence of manual flexure. Breaking metal possessions was part of the funerary ritual. Excavated in 1937 from the grave of a Viking chieftain in North Yorkshire. Quite crisp indicating that it was included in the funerary effects and not buried. 

Sold April 24, 1978 to R T Clough FSA, Christie’s, London, sale of Fine Antiquities.