Viking Serpent Brooch

This serpent brooch has an interesting story. It is an original find from Viking Age Birka, but the original was actually a ring hanging on a sax scabbard. After I made it as a scabbard ring, I thought it had such a lovely smooth form that it would be interesting to add a pin and develop it as a brooch.

The serpent occurs often in Viking art. It is a symbol of renewal – a snake sheds its skin and is reborn. It is also a symbol of the regenarating force of nature – the great Midgard Serpent, Jormungandr, surrounds the earth and bites its own tail.

Width 42mm