9th-10th century AD. A pendant comprising a sheet gold loop and sleeve decorated with twisted filigree collars and spiral detail with granule and carved neolithic arrowhead. See discussion of curated stone blades for magical and curative purposes in Evans, J. The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain, London, 1897, p.365. 2.27 grams, 41mm (1 1/2"). Property of a lady living in Kent, UK; formerly part of her grandfather's collection; acquired in Germany after WWII; thence by descent 2006. This amulet was believed to be protection against “Elfshot”: the attack of elves was believed to be responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof, country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occuring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. The belief in elfshot begins in the Pagan Germanic period and this amulet is a very early and rare example. Very fine condition.