9th-12th century AD. A gold pendant with spension loop, clasping a flat-section polished garnet. 0.44 grams, 11mm high (1/4"). English collection formed before 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterio suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or mcle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvio external cae. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caed the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period. [No Reserve]