C. 900-1100 AD. Viking Period. This beautiful bronze torc has simple strand design with a an abstract sub-square serpent’s head terminal at one end and a hook at the together. This piece is made even more stunning by its beautiful patina. Torcs are found in many European cultures c. the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD. However, these elaborate items of jewellery made a reappearance during the Viking period c. 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. Superb condition; wearable.Size: L:158mm / W:186mm ; 74g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.