Viking 'Teardrop' Borre Style Mount
Copper-alloy, 6.58 grams, 39.29 mm. 10th-11th century. The mount features a small boss and collar from which issue three double-contour bands at 12, 4 and 8 o'clock. between these are three double-contour vesica-shaped motifs; below are two further lateral vesica-shapes with a third formed from the outer borders. The overall appearance is of a densely interlaced surface in a style derived from the Borre Style. The mount's edge is strengthened with a plain rim, pierced at the upper edge for suspension; on the reverse are two cast lugs, broken off in antiquity, which were the original form of attachment. The inspiration for the decoration is doubtless the form of complex trefoil brooch worn on Gotland in the 10th-11th century. Reference: Griciuviene, E. Ziemgaliai - The Semigallians, Latvian National Museum, 2005, item 870 and cf. items 871-2. Very fine condition.