PLOWED FIELD NEEDLE CASE / CHATELAINE - 5304B
Needle cases were an essential part of any Norse housewife’s chatelaine. Not only did it keep her needles safe and handy, but indicated that she was wealthy enough to afford good iron needles. Needle cases came in many styles from practical and simple to highly ornate.
This woven pattern is known as a “Plowed field” amulet and is generally found in Slavic/Rus regions of the eastern Viking territory. It is said by some sources to represent the Earth Goddess – either Lada or Mokosh – in her guise as the rich moist earth of spring ready to receive the seed and the generative power of the Sun. This pattern is thought to have been a protective amulet for married women as is seen not only this needle case but also as pendants in both round and lozenge configuration and as the top ornament of chain spreaders and chatelaines. This piece with its Terslev Style filigree decoration is modeled after extant artifacts from Viking Age Lake Ladoga region (circa 1000-1100 AD)
Bronze
55 mm W x 6 mm H
4.7625 mm opening
2.36 in W x 2.2 in H
0.1875 in opening
Also available as a chain spreader - Plowed Field Chain Spreader / Chatelaine - 5306B