VIKING PROTECTIVE BROOCH, 10th CENTURY

Bronze, just over 3/4” diameter. Rounded face and flat back. The edge notched for the cross pin, intact and original. As found condition. The surface with mottled patina and encrustation from burial. Worn in numbers on the surface of the jerkin, these small metal brooches provided a measure of protection against sword cuts and, in fact, were a form of armor. See current Public Television programming for documentation of these in action. As protectors, they also held spiritual significance for the warrior.