Ca. 900-1100 AD A beautiful bronze torc with a twisted design and a beautiful patina. Torcs are found in many European cultures ca. the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD. However, these elaborate items of jewellery made a reappearance during the Viking period ca. 900-1100 AD perhaps due to their twisting nature which recalls Loki’s snake/dragon son Jormungand who lives in the ocean that surrounds Midgard. Torcs such as this one would also have served as important symbols of rank and wealth. Size: L:182mm / W:175mm ; 95g Provenance: Property of a London Gallery; formerly in a collection of Mr. W. Paddison, 1980s-2000s.