Bead separator

Two gilded silver bead separators. One end of each is shaped like a small animal head, but not in any of the Scandinavian styles. The design of the separators, with seven small crosses, stacked on each other and decorated with beading and diamond shapes, indicates that they are of Carolingian origin. Grave find, Birka, Bj 854, Adelsö Parish, Uppland.

Image rights: Jens Mohr, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0