Valkyrie with cone beaker, pendant

This pendant depicts a woman with outstretched arms offering a drinking horn. Her hair is tied back or covered with a cap. The object was discovered in a grave containing three similar items, including a ring from which a set of miniature weapons was suspended; possibly they were all originally strung together on the same necklace. Based on similar motifs depicted on picture stones from Gotland, figures like this have been interpreted as valkyries, offering a drinking vessel to welcome warriors slain in battle to Valhalla. Alternatively, the figures might simply illustrate a moment of greeting and hospitality. In either case, the drinking horn symbolizes the forthcoming festivities.

Find location: Klinta, Öland, Sweden

The original is housed at the Swedish History Museum, Stockholm, Sweden.