Brass Mounts 'Griffin', Broa/Oseberg Style, Set of 5

Brass Mounts 'Griffin', Broa/Oseberg Style, Set of 5

A Glimpse into Art History: The Fascinating World of the Griffin

At the dawn of the Viking Age (c. late 8th and early 9th centuries), a new, dynamic motif appeared in Scandinavian art – the "Griffin". This is a stylised, hard-to-identify animal whose most prominent feature is its limbs, which stretch out and firmly grasp either its own body, an adjacent beast, or the border of the object it decorates. This motif, full of tension and energy, became a dominant element of the Broa and Oseberg styles and is considered one of the first truly distinct artistic expressions of the Vikings. Its origin was likely influenced by Carolingian and Anglo-Saxon art, but the Norsemen transformed it into something completely original.

How to Attach Your Mounts

Attaching these mounts to leather or sturdy fabric is simple. On the back of each piece are two small pins.

1. Mark the positions for the pins on your material.
2. Using an awl or a small knife, create small holes or slits at the marked spots.
3. Push the pins through the material.
4. On the reverse side, carefully bend the pins outwards (e.g., with small pliers). This will securely fasten the mount. For an even stronger and more permanent connection, the ends of the pins can be peened (hammered flat) over a small metal washer on the back.

How to Care for Your Brass Mounts

The patinated finish is intentional and gives the mounts a historical appearance.

• Protect the mounts from harsh chemicals.
• To clean, simply wipe the surface with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• If you wish to achieve a higher shine, you can carefully polish the mounts with a brass cleaner, but this will remove some of the dark patina.

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