9th-11th century AD. A penannular neck-ring formed from a square-section bar, twisted about its own axis to produce a spiral effect; tapering round-section terminals. 141 grams, 16.8cm (6 1/2"). Property of a North London gentleman; formerly in a Russian collection in the 1980s. Torcs or neck-rings, arm-rings and bracelets fashioned from gold are an ancient tradition in northern Europe, used to display both wealth and status. The torc was especially prized since it could be used as a prominent and highly visible means of displaying religious affiliation to the god of magic and warfare, Odin, who features in a myth where he sacrifices himself by hanging in order to gain access to the power of the runic script and the magic it contains. Devotees of the god, who included many of the leading kings, earls and chief warriors of Scandinavia, used the symbolism of the twisted torc as an emblem of the noose and thus of access to the god's powers of inspiration and knowledge of esoteric wisdom. Very fine condition. Rare.