Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 11th century CE. Two wonderful carbon-steel spear heads that have been ritualistically bent or 'killed' in a symbolic manner consistent with Viking burial offerings. The first spear head has a tapered socketing shaft with incised petaloid motifs, a sturdy shoulder, and a narrow blade with a slight midrib that is bent in a distinct 'U' shape. The largest spear head has a bent, diamond-shaped blade with protruding lateral edges, a smooth midsection, and an unusual tang - as opposed to a socketing shaft - that is also bent upwards towards the body. Each weapon is covered in smooth, lustrous patina of a dark brown color that indicates their age and the stable earthen conditions in which they were interred. Size of largest (spear head w/ tang): 1.125" W x 7.2" H (2.9 cm x 18.3 cm)

Provenance: private Fort Collins, Colorado, USA collection; ex-TimeLine Auctions Ltd., Harwich, Essex, UK; ex-private European collector; ex-private old European collection, formed in the 1980s

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#157264

Both pieces have bent blades as shown, and the tang of one spear head is bent as well. Spear head with tang has small losses to middle of blade edges as shown; spear head with socketing shaft is intact and very good. Both pieces have pitting and very light encrustations. Great smooth patina throughout.