Viking Bronze Openwork Pendant with Loki Circa 9th-10th century AD This bronze pendant features an openwork design, tapering towards the base, with a large suspension loop positioned at the top. At the centre is a depiction of Loki’s head, characterised by detailed facial features, adding a symbolic element to the piece. The backside is flat and unworked, allowing the focus to remain on the finely crafted front. Loki is a complex figure from Norse mythology, often described as a trickster god. He is the son of the giant Fárbauti and the goddess Laufey, which places him in a unique position between gods and giants. Loki is known for his shape-shifting abilities and his mischievous, unpredictable nature, frequently causing trouble for both gods and humans alike. Despite his frequent deceptions, Loki is not purely malevolent; he is often a companion of Odin and Thor, assisting them in various adventures, although his help is typically motivated by self-interest. Loki is also the father of several significant mythological beings, including the wolf Fenrir, the serpent Jörmungandr, and Hel, the ruler of the underworld. His pivotal role in the myth of Ragnarök, where he leads the forces of chaos against the gods, marks him as an agent of destruction in the cosmic order. One curious aspect of Loki's character is his ability to change shape and gender, a trait that leads to some unusual myths, including one in which he transforms into a mare and gives birth to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Loki's ambiguous nature has led to varied interpretations of his character, ranging from a clever manipulator to a symbol of chaos and change. Dimensions: 50mm x 20mm; weight 5g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.