#dyreornamentikk

[metaldetectingnordmannaland]

Gold bracteate, found last month in Råde, Norway. These are hammered medallions from Northern Europe, dated to the migration period of the germanic iron age (375 AD - 538 AD).

This bracteate is D-type, categorized by their stylized depiction of animals, in this case a bird, possibly a bird of prey due to the curved beak. The head of the animal is in the lower left in the photos.

Originally, this bracteate would have been bead-rimmed and fitted with a loop for hanging. It has been lost to time, either by wear and tear, by damage and erosion in the soil, or more like by the 1500 rotations of the plow since it fell to the earth. Shortly after this braceate was found, another 4 turned up, all in Råde, Østfold. All except for one are folded with the motif facing inwards, something that might indicate a ritual sacrifice and deposition of material wealth. These bracteates are generally dated to the mid-6th century, which saw an extended cold period following the extreme weather events of 535–536.  This event is a strong contender for the origin of the Fimbulwinter mentioned in norse mythology, recanted by Snorri Sturlasson in the Younger Edda. It is the Fimbulwinter that precedes Ragnarök, when Sköll and Hati, the offspring of Fenrir, will swallow the sun and moon, during the events of the norse apocalypse.