Animal Head or “Bear Head” Viking Brooches

Pair of “Bear Head” brooches, based of the original one which comes from the island of Gotland, Sweden, and which is exhibited on the British Museum. Dated from the 10th century.

This typology of brooch was very common at the Viking Era and its decoration was very diverse. On this case, it’s decorated in Urnes Style and presents several interlaced snakes or dragons. The inferior plaque is also finely decorated.

This kind of brooch, as the turtle brooches, were used by viking women to attach the straps of their dresses, and it was an importan part of the female clothing of high social class women.

The original was made of copper alloy. This replica is made of brass.

Measures: 5.8 x 4 cm.

Link to the original find