Triangular Gripping Beast Pendant

I have copied this gripping beast from the Lisbjerg brooches from Denmark, which are covered in these grinning goblins. This is the source my own triangular gripping beast pendant.

The gripping beast is a modern term for a viking art motif that thrived in the 9^th and 10^th centuries. Spirited, humourous animals gripping themselves or other things around them - they are a fascinating and exhuberant expression of the Viking Age. They survived for a century and a half, carved in many different forms by Viking craftsmen. Yet, for all that, their meaning remains a mystery.

But who could deny that they stand as witness to the viking sense of humour?

An ancient motif still alive and kicking.

 Height 28mm

Weight of Sterling Silver 4.4g (Weight may vary from piece to piece)