Bear Armring, Bronze

A twisted Viking armring in solid bronze ending in bear heads that are based on the unique find in Eketorp, Sweden in 2017. Dated to the 900s, the bear heads are remarkable in the sense that nothing similar has been found. They are also interesting, since bears are not found on jewelry as often as other animals and creatures. Wear it around your wrist and push it up your arm if you need to get it out of the way.

Armrings were often given by powerful chieftains to secure allegiance from their followers. Bestowing such gifts was a demonstration of wealth and power, and the warrior who accepted the gift pledged his loyalty to the chieftain through doing so. This has led to armrings gifted in that manner to be known as ‘Oath Rings’. Wearing armrings were also a way of carrying your ‘money’, since they were often made from silver or gold.

Link to the page detailing the find (Swedish): www.olm.se